Lere Olayinka, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a former House of Representatives candidate in Ekiti State, has urged President Bola Tinubu to dismiss Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), due to the ongoing petrol shortage in the nation.
Olayinka, a Media Aide to Ayo Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, found it amusing and ridiculous that the NNPCL attributed fuel scarcity to rain, lightning, and thunderstorms, questioning when such weather conditions began causing fuel shortages in Nigeria or globally.
The whole nation is dealing with a significant fuel shortage, with the majority of regions having experienced this scarcity for over two months. Across much of the nation, Nigerians are purchasing petrol at steep rates, with prices varying from ₦1,200.00 to ₦1,500.00 per liter.
During a press conference in Abuja, Dapo Segun, the Vice-President (Downstream) of NNPCL, attributed the fuel shortage to recent weather conditions including rains, lightning, and thunderstorms.
In his response, Olayinka said that the NNPCL’s excuse clearly indicates that those overseeing the organization’s operations are clueless about resolving the ongoing fuel shortage issue.
He commented, “In the past, the dry season was often cited as the reason for power outages in Nigeria. Nowadays, the shortage of fuel is being blamed on rain, lightning, and thunderstorms. It’s disgraceful!.
“In my view, Mele Kyari and his team have shown a remarkable level of incompetence. Considering the hardship Nigerians have faced during over two months of fuel scarcity, President Tinubu should dismiss the NNPCL GMD and his team to allow capable individuals to take over the organization’s leadership.
Referring to Mele Kyari as “Mr. Promise and Fail,” Olayinka stated: “Upon assuming office in 2019, he confidently claimed that all four of the country’s refineries would be operational before the conclusion of President Buhari’s government in 2023.”
“It’s 2024, yet none of the four refineries are operational. How is it that Mele Kyari continues to lead NNPCL?.
“I believe President Tinubu must demonstrate his commitment to improving Nigeria by removing the clearly incompetent management team led by Mele Kyari from the NNPCL.”
