Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Monday, took to the streets demanding immediate resolution to the current fuel crisis in the country.
The protesters, specifically demanded for reduction in the pump price of petrol, which they said had caused untold hardship to the ordinary Nigerians.
The protesters, among other things, also demanded the immediate dismissal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, over the lingering fuel scarcity.
The protest is coming on the heels of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s statement that its substantial debt to suppliers is endangering the sustainable fuel supply.
The corporation highlighted that the financial strain was placing significant pressure on its operations and threatening the stability of fuel supplies.
The protesters, who were armed with several banners with some reading, ‘We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working, ‘No direction under Kyari’ and ‘We want accountability in the affairs of NNPCL,’ said they were tired that Kyari’s tenure was marked by a dismal scorecard that raises more questions than answers.
The protest terminated at Unity Fountain, where the Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations, Aminu Abbas wondered why a nation blessed with oil like Nigeria should continue to suffer acute petrol scarcity.
He told journalists that, “To President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all those in positions of power, we say the time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced.’’(Daily Trust)
