Civil society organizations are planning protests, calling for an investigation into the rehabilitation of the PH refinery under the leadership of former NNPCL boss, Kyari

A coalition of over 28 civil society organizations in the Niger Delta region says it plans to initiate demonstrations and submit a petition calling for an investigation into the controversial rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery during the tenure of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari.

The group said they also support the Senate’s call for the same purpose

The Senate Public Accounts Committee in June ordered Kyari’s arrest following his failure to appear before a committee probing audit questions related to NNPCL’s finances between 2017 and 2023.

The coalition said it plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), to conduct an investigation into allegations surrounding the management of the country’s oil resources and the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project.

President General and Coordinator of the Niger Delta Anti-Corruption Watch, Engr. Felix Oweifie Olotu disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, announcing plans to mobilize 10,000 youths for peaceful protest and petition submission on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Olotu said the coalition petition would draw the attention of the EFCC and CCB to various allegations relating to the management of Nigeria’s oil resources, financial accountability and the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project, among other matters relating to the previous management of the NNPCL.

“We cannot just let Mele Kyari go. There are serious questions and allegations surrounding his tenure at the NNPCL that deserve investigation. We are not asking for anyone to be punished without due process; we are demanding that the relevant agencies investigate the allegations and let the law take its course,” Olotu said.

The coalition also supports recent calls from members of the National Assembly for Kyari’s tenure to be investigated.

Kyari denied the arrest warrant, and said he told the committee he was abroad for medical reasons.

Olotu stated that the planned mobilization would be peaceful, lawful and focused on accountability rather than pronouncement of guilt against any individual.

He said public officials who manage Nigeria’s resources must be prepared to account for their management whenever credible allegations emerge.

The coalition called on Niger Delta youth, traditional leaders, civil society organizations and community leaders to join the mobilization and support the petition to the EFCC and CCB.

He also urged the two institutions to conduct independent, comprehensive and transparent investigations into all the allegations contained in the petition.

The coalition emphasized that if an investigation uncovers criminal or ethical violations, appropriate legal consequences must be applied, regardless of the status or position of the person involved.

“The Niger Delta has a legitimate interest in the management of resources in our region. We will continue to demand transparency, accountability and justice through legal and democratic means,” said Olotu.