A group of Civil Society Organisations has called on the Department of State Service (DSS) and the police to take measures against those who are attempting to blackmail Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The leader of the coalition, Declan Ihekaire, voiced this appeal during a press conference in Lagos. He pointed out that the accusations levelled against Kyari and the NNPCL have already been investigated by the National Assembly, which found no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the GMD.
The coalition expressed its condemnation of the blackmailer's persistent attempts to extort Kyari and other government agencies, including corporate institutions.
Ihekaire stated, "For the records, the National Assembly, which is responsible for conducting legitimate investigations of all MDAs, has looked into the alleged missing 48 million barrels of crude oil, a claim that only exists in George Uboh’s world. After a thorough investigation, they vehemently dismissed it, finding that no such incident occurred."
He continued, "It may interest you to know that it was the same George who approached the National Assembly to form a panel to investigate his petition. After the National Assembly, which he believed he could use to blackmail the NNPCL into paying him the sum of $500,000, dismissed his petition and cleared NNPCL of such allegations, he took his inactive NGO to court."
The coalition leader highlighted that the actions of Mr George Uboh and his associates have raised serious ethical and legal concerns within society. Their continuous attempts to blackmail and extort the NNPCL and other government agencies not only undermine the rule of law but also compromise the integrity of our institutions.
He emphasised, "We, as a coalition, stand firmly against any form of corruption or misconduct within public and private institutions. However, the appropriate channels for addressing such concerns are through established legal processes, not through coercion, blackmail, or extortion."
Ihekaire concluded by urging the public to remain vigilant and discerning when faced with sensationalist claims or attempts to manipulate public opinion. He said, "In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups condemns, in the strongest terms, Mr George Uboh’s serial blackmail and extortion attempts against NNPCL. We reiterate our commitment to the rule of law and due process, and we call on all stakeholders to support the proper legal channels to address any concerns within our society. If this persists, we shall not hesitate to engage in further legitimate steps, in putting an end to the shenanigans of Mr Uboh and his gang of cheap blackmailers. And indeed we will be submitting a petition to the SSS against George Uboh."