The Concerned Citizens Against Corruption (CCAC) has disowned its convener, Comrade Kabir Matazu, over what it described as an unauthorized and suspicious withdrawal of allegations against the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
In a statement issued Thursday and signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Moses Okino, the coalition alleged that Matazu acted alone and under the influence of powerful interests determined to shield Kyari from public scrutiny and investigation.
“We, the leadership of CCAC, categorically state that Kabir Matazu acted alone. His press conference withdrawing our petition was not only unauthorized but disgraceful. It was an act of betrayal,” Okino declared.
He added that no meeting or consensus was reached within the coalition before Matazu’s sudden reversal, raising suspicion of external inducement.
“We have received credible reports that certain individuals with ties to Kyari’s tenure, including James Ume, are lobbying civil society actors with cash and promises in a desperate attempt to suppress public inquiry into Kyari’s activities,” Okino alleged.
Matazu, in a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, had described the April 23 protest organized by the coalition as “hasty” and “misguided,” claiming a misunderstanding of NNPCL’s legal structure. He also praised Kyari’s leadership and retracted all previous allegations.
Reacting, CCAC dismissed the retraction as “a complete reversal of months of credible investigation, whistleblower evidence, and documented irregularities.”
“Our allegations against Mele Kyari were based on verified information concerning questionable transactions, crude swap deals, refinery funds, and procurement anomalies during his tenure,” Okino noted.
He further disclosed that a disciplinary committee has been set up to investigate Matazu’s conduct and determine appropriate sanctions, which may include expulsion from the group.
“No one is above accountability, not even our convener. Matazu has embarrassed this coalition and must face the consequences of his reckless and suspicious actions,” he said.
Reaffirming its position, the group renewed its call for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Kyari’s tenure transparently and thoroughly.
“If Kyari has nothing to hide, he should welcome a public probe. Attempts to suppress transparency only raise more questions about financial misconduct under his leadership,” the statement read.
CCAC called on other civil society groups, labour unions, and advocacy networks to resist intimidation and infiltration, insisting that the struggle for accountability in the petroleum sector must continue.
“Matazu’s actions will not derail this movement. If anything, they have strengthened our resolve. This is no longer just about Kyari it is about protecting the integrity of anti-corruption advocacy in Nigeria,” the coalition concluded.
