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Nigerian Professionals Abroad Rally for Mele Kyari, Plan UK Honor Event
Nigeria Professionals in Diaspora (NPID) held a world press conference in London today, condemning what they described as “baseless attacks” and unwarranted restrictions on the personal accounts of the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari
The group warned that such actions risk deterring Nigerian professionals abroad from returning to serve their homeland.
Addressing journalists, NPID President Dr. Olawale Oguntonade expressed dismay at the treatment of Kyari, a reformer lauded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transforming Nigeria’s oil sector.
“This type of vindictive attack is not good for Nigeria,” Oguntonade declared.
“It sends a wrong signal to hardworking professionals who may consider returning to serve their fatherland. If a man like Mele Kyari, who gave his all to reposition NNPCL, can be harassed, what encouragement remains for diaspora Nigerians?”
The NPID highlighted President Tinubu’s public commendations of Kyari’s achievements. In August 2023, Tinubu hailed Kyari as a reformer who repositioned the oil industry to attract global investors during the signing of a $7 billion gas deal.
In October 2023, the president praised Kyari’s dedication, noting that under his leadership, NNPCL recorded profits for the first time in 44 years, transitioning from a loss-making entity to a profit-making giant.
The NPID outlined Kyari’s transformative contributions to Nigeria’s oil sector, including: Financial Turnaround: Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL declared profits of ₦287 billion in 2020, ₦674 billion in 2021, and a record-breaking ₦3.3 trillion in 2023.
“Transparency Drive: Kyari introduced the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) Initiative, publishing audited financial statements for the first time in NNPCL’s history.
“Major Projects: He spearheaded initiatives like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Kolmani Integrated Oil & Gas Development Project, and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline.
“Investor Confidence: Kyari resolved disputes with international oil companies, paving the way for investments like the $10 billion Bonga South-East deepwater project.
“Fuel Supply Stability: Through “Operation White,” he curbed fuel smuggling and ensured a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“These are concrete results that no amount of propaganda can erase,” Oguntonade stated.
The NPID urged President Tinubu, whom they praised for delivering democratic dividends and steering Nigeria away from economic collapse, to intervene and protect Kyari from “disgruntled elements.”
The group alleged that these attacks stem from individuals who lost access to corrupt practices in NNPCL due to Kyari’s reforms.
“Mr. President, history will not forgive us if we allow enemies of progress to destroy reformers,” Oguntonade said, calling for Kyari to receive a national honor rather than persecution.
While commending the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its anti-corruption efforts, the NPID criticized its actions against Kyari as misguided.
“Public service is not a crime,” Oguntonade emphasized.
“Targeting reformers like Kyari discourages Nigerians in the diaspora from returning to serve and risks demoralizing dedicated patriots at home.”
The NPID demanded the immediate lifting of any restrictions on Kyari and called for an investigation into the sponsors of the attacks, whom they described as beneficiaries of a dismantled corrupt oil cartel. In a bold move, the group announced plans to honor Kyari in the United Kingdom in November 2025, with President Tinubu and the UK Prime Minister as special guests. The event will celebrate Kyari’s reforms, integrity, and service to Nigeria.
The NPID warned that allowing such attacks to persist could deter thousands of Nigerian professionals abroad from contributing to national development. “Today, it is Mele Kyari; tomorrow, it could be another patriot,” Oguntonade said. “Nigeria must protect her reformers, not persecute them.”
The group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Kyari, declaring, “His legacy cannot be destroyed by those who failed to hold Nigeria captive under their corrupt grip.”
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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