The Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria has formally petitioned the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, urging the Kingdom to deny visa access or entry to Mallam Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The petition was submitted on Thursday by a delegation led by the forum’s Convener, Barrister Sambari Benjamin, and Organizing Secretary, Comrade John Ndubuokwu. The group, which boasts over 1,000 members across professional fields—including law, medicine, engineering, and skilled trades—delivered the petition at the Saudi embassy in Maitama, Abuja.
Petition Highlights Concerns Over Ongoing Investigations
Speaking to journalists, Barr. Sambari explained that the forum’s move was a proactive measure to ensure due process, as preliminary investigations into Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL may have commenced.
“We have reasons to believe that Kyari might attempt to remain abroad to evade official proceedings in Nigeria,” Sambari said.
The forum’s petition urged the Saudi government to uphold international standards by cooperating with Nigerian anti-corruption agencies and refusing any form of visa, asylum, or special entry request from the embattled former oil chief.
Text Excerpt from the Petition
“We, the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, respectfully seek your kind support in denying Mr. Kyari entry into the Kingdom under any guise—diplomatic, medical, religious, or commercial.”
They added a quote from religious scripture condemning those who cause mischief on earth, drawing a moral link between corruption and societal harm.
Call for International Cooperation Against Corruption
The forum emphasized that Saudi Arabia, as a leader of the Muslim Ummah, should stand firm against economic crimes and dissociate from individuals allegedly involved in corruption and public resource mismanagement.
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“Saudi Arabia must reaffirm its unyielding stance against corruption, economic sabotage, and terrorism by distancing itself from characters like Mele Kyari,” the petition stated.
Background: Protests in the UK
This development follows a protest last week by Nigerians in the United Kingdom, who demonstrated at the Nigerian House in London, demanding that Mele Kyari return to Nigeria to face corruption-related investigations.
Naija Blog Daily will continue to bring you updates on this developing story and other anti-corruption efforts across Nigeria and beyond.
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