Nigerians have strongly criticized analyst Daniel Dayo Kunle, popularly known as Dan Kunle, for his remarks about the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari. Kunle, during an appearance on the Diaspora Dialogues online program hosted by Professor Farooq Kperogi, made controversial claims, attacking Kyari’s tenure at the helm of the NNPCL. Many viewed Kunle’s remarks as false, irrational, and biased, accusing him of pushing an agenda that undermined Kyari’s achievements in the oil and gas sector.
Kunle’s assertion that the Port Harcourt Petrochemical and Refinery was non-functional sparked further outrage. He argued that efforts to revive Nigeria’s state-owned refineries were unnecessary and advocated for their privatization, suggesting that the private sector should dominate the industry. Kunle also stated that Kyari lacked the competence to manage NNPCL. However, this claim was met with immediate backlash from Nigerians watching the live session. Participants did not take kindly to Kunle’s subjective attacks, particularly his attempts to discredit Kyari’s reforms.
Many commentators pointed out that Kunle’s rhetoric was focused on stifling competition and promoting a monopolistic oil and gas landscape, accusing him of backing private interests, such as the Dangote Refinery, at the expense of public ownership and competition. These views were further emphasized in numerous comments expressing disappointment over Kunle’s biased stance.
Some commentators criticized Kunle’s remarks as desperate, ill-informed, and unpatriotic. They highlighted the significant strides made under Kyari’s leadership, particularly in an industry long plagued by inefficiency, opacity, and political interference. While acknowledging that Kyari may not have solved every problem in the oil and gas sector, many participants emphasized his role in laying the groundwork for lasting transformation.
Under Kyari’s leadership, the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the transition of NNPCL into a commercial entity, and increased transparency were seen as major milestones. Participants praised his efforts in overseeing critical projects, such as the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery and the construction of the AKK Gas Pipeline.
Others urged the new management of NNPCL to build upon and consolidate the achievements made during Kyari’s tenure. Some comments noted that Kyari had created a solid foundation, and his successes in transforming NNPCL should serve as a reference point for future progress.
Nigerians React to Kunle’s Criticism: A Snapshot of Opinions
Below are a few of the comments from Nigerians who reacted to Kunle’s criticisms:
Samuel Aina – “Kyari championed the PIA, and today it’s a game changer for the country. I disagree with Mr. Dan Kunle over his comments on Mele Kyari. Kyari has done well. The records speak for themselves.”
Lawal Sani – “Kunle has turned the discussion into tribal and regional sentiment.”
Trat Olayinka – “It is very wrong to say NNPC didn’t complete a project under Mele Kyari. That’s totally wrong; the records are there.”
Kanayo Omaize – “Before we criticize Kyari, we should first look at where NNPC was before he came in and the tremendous work he did.”
Usman Musa – “Kyari has set a new standard for leadership in the oil sector.”
Ibrahim Musa – “Tribalism must not blind us to truth and facts.”
Abdullahi Usman – “God bless Nigeria and those working genuinely for its progress.”
Lanre Fasuan – “I’m not a fan of Mele Kyari, but it seems this guy has an axe to grind with him. He can’t say Mele didn’t make any positive contributions during his tenure at NNPC. That’s totally unacceptable.”
Yaru Yakub – “The ‘Emilokan’ syndrome is preventing Engr. Dan Kunle from analyzing issues in the petroleum industry objectively. Mele Kyari has done well and deserves recognition.”
Usman Aminu – “The advertisement for O&M was published openly in the national dailies. Let’s not let sentiments cloud our judgment.”
V. Gbenga – “I think Mele Kyari served diligently and deserves commendation for his significant contributions to the transformation of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
Ifeanyi Udo – “Despite numerous challenges, Kyari grew production to enviable levels. By February 2023, NNPC was producing 1.6 million barrels per day of crude oil and condensate combined.”
Straight talk – “Mr. Kunle is not speaking the truth. The refinery in Port Harcourt is fully operational.”
Austin Ajuebon – “Under Mele Kyari’s leadership, NNPC achieved significant milestones, including the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, marking a transformative period in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
Osho Andrew – “We’re happy Kyari ensured the necessary reforms at NNPC. He did absolutely well, and I’m certain the new administration will only need to build on his successes.”
Edwin Usoboh – “The beneficiaries of the subsidy removal aren’t just governors, but political officeholders, including the president, business owners like Dangote, etc.”
Austin Ajuebon – “Kyari was transparent, and let’s give him credit for that. For the first time in NNPC’s history, Nigerians and the public had access to the company’s financial records.”
Osho Triton – “If Bayo continues on the same path as Kyari, who opened up NNPC, he will succeed.”
IG Wala – “I totally agree that capacity is low in every aspect of governance, and it’s true this issue started long ago.”
Idris Alhaji Abubakar – “NNPC is a class of its own. No amount of reforms can fix it due to the lack of political will and conflicts of interest! For instance, President Tinubu’s brother, Mr. Wale of Oando, has significant influence over the oil and gas industry and NNPC.”
Shuaib Bayaru – “I’m pleased to be part of this great session with you and other intellectuals. Thank you for shedding light on this matter. God bless you!”
Dave Okon – “Kyari laid the groundwork for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He made significant impacts, so the new leadership should build on his successes.”
Umar Bello Babashi – “With all due respect, Prof., it’s too early to conclude that the new GMD is better or will perform better than his predecessor. We’ve seen many examples of this in Nigeria.”
Shojobi Abisola – “Though I’m not Kyari’s fan, let’s be objective. He blocked major sources of illicit wealth by removing the subsidy. Without his decisive action, Nigeria would be in a worse situation today.”
Olawale Olurotimi – “Kyari is a good man. His tenure saw the removal of fuel subsidies and the revival of domestic refining, including the resuscitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.”
Olawale Olurotimi – “His efforts also contributed to increased transparency, with NNPC consistently publishing its audited financial statements.”
Abdullahi Bakari – “As we all know, Mele Kyari’s leadership at NNPC has helped put Nigeria back on the map as a major player in the global energy industry.”
Lateef Temitope Owodunni – “The new NNPCL boss should capitalize on Mele Kyari’s transformation, work on the few lapses, and drive the major quality works.”
Zakari Yusuf – “We run down almost every sector. Sometimes I ask myself, what actually works in Nigeria?”
Louis Osahon – “Kyari pushed for deregulation, enabling a more open, competitive, and investment-friendly oil and gas industry.”
Sunday Adeyemi – “I believe it’s better to set a new, forward-looking agenda for the new team, ensuring the continuous availability of fuel.”
Kareem Abiodun Kayode – “Kyari couldn’t have sold oil without government support. The Jonathan and Buhari governments played a part in it.”
Iyabo Aina – “Kyari did his best. Going forward, stakeholders should focus on setting a forward-looking agenda for the new leadership to build on past successes and drive continuous improvement.”
Rufus Oluwadamiro – “To be fair, Kyari set a strong record for the new management to follow. His achievements go beyond mere propaganda. The new management should build on his legacy. The transformation we see today in NNPC is a result of Kyari’s commitment.”
Umar Mohammed – “Mr. Dan Kunle seems to be economical with the truth. His tribal sentiments are clouding his objectivity.”
Engr. Mohammad B. Tukur – “The conversation is deep and interesting, but Mr. Dan Kunle is sentimental. Kyari’s achievements are numerous, including the commercialization of NNPC and its transformation into NNPCL, among others.”
Umar Mohammed – “Kyari was the best thing that happened to NNPC in the past two decades. Dan Kunle didn’t sound objective; his personal sentiments clouded his analysis.”
Rabi’u Musa – “Kyari has reformed NNPC and deserves credit, not baseless criticism.”
Saad Idris – “Tribalism shouldn’t cloud our judgment; Kyari performed well.”
Sani Ismaila – “I agree with you, Prof. Kperogi. We must be objective and fair.”
Ibrahim Abdulazeez – “Nigeria’s problem is largely about politics of bitterness and envy.”
Ismaila Sa’ad – “The transformation Kyari started is what Nigeria needs across all sectors.”
Bala Mohammed – “Why is it that whenever a leader from the North excels, some people try to discredit him?”
Yakubu Usman – “Kyari will be remembered for the bold steps he took to transform the oil sector.”
Let’s acknowledge Mele Kyari for transforming the nearly dilapidated NNPC into a thriving entity. His efforts will undoubtedly be remembered favorably in the history of Nigeria’s energy sector reforms.
Vivian Okezie – Under Kyari’s leadership, all subsidiaries now function like a well-run corporation. Yet, as the saying goes, there’s always room for improvement. The new administration should continue his excellent work.
Umar Garba – Some criticisms are clearly driven by political motives.
Adamu Musa – We should not overlook the significant strides Kyari has made.
Sulaiman Umar – Kyari introduced much-needed accountability and transparency to NNPC.
Abdulkadir Abubakar – Let’s support progress and not hinder it.
Abdulrahman Musa – Tribalism and hatred will never help build a nation.
Sani Abdullahi – I hope the new leadership picks up where Kyari left off.
Aliyu Musa – Nigerians must rise above petty sentiments for the nation’s growth.
Abubakar Musa – Mele Kyari has earned his place in history.
Musa Adamu – We must build upon NNPC’s achievements.
Abubakar Abdullahi – Kyari modernized NNPC, making it more competitive.
Bala Ibrahim – Criticism should be constructive, not destructive.
Ibrahim Musa – Thank you, Prof., for offering diverse perspectives.
Musa Abdullahi – Tribalism is tearing Nigeria apart; we must resist it.
Amina Mohammed – God bless all Nigerians working for progress.
Sa’adatu Musa – Unity, not division, is key to moving Nigeria forward.
Aisha Bello – We must support leaders who bring positive change.
Salamatu Musa – God bless Nigeria and its true patriots.
