By Omuma Umo
The Niger Delta Stakeholders Assembly (NDSA) has urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate Anaba Sara-Igbe over accusations that he is plotting to create unrest in the Niger Delta.
The NDSA claims that Sara-Igbe is acting on behalf of high-ranking officials within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to undermine Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Engr. Mele Kyari.
In a statement released on Saturday by NDSA President Akpoebi Owoleye-Ofori and Secretary Anetorufa Gabriel, the group expressed concern over Sara-Igbe’s recent media comments, calling him a “notorious gold digger” and “rabble-rouser.”
The NDSA alleges that Sara-Igbe’s actions are part of a broader scheme orchestrated by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President (Upstream), and Umar Ajiya, the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), to destabilize Kyari’s leadership.
The NDSA highlighted Sara-Igbe’s claims against Mele Kyari, which include accusations of mismanaging the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, despite the fact that these facilities were undergoing scheduled maintenance.
The group dismissed these allegations as baseless, citing Sara-Igbe’s lack of understanding of industry practices.
Furthermore, the NDSA pointed to Sara-Igbe’s criticism of Kyari regarding the removal of the fuel subsidy, asserting that the decision was made independently by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not by Kyari.
The group accused Eyesan and Ajiya of backing Sara-Igbe in a bid to take over leadership at NNPCL. They claimed that Sara-Igbe’s public statements were part of a larger effort to remove Kyari from his role, with an alleged plan to push for Eyesan or Ajiya to succeed him.
The NDSA reaffirmed its support for Kyari, commending his reform initiatives and insisting that he has brought stability to NNPCL operations. They warned that Sara-Igbe’s threats to incite violence in the Niger Delta, should Kyari remain in office beyond January 2025, must be taken seriously.
The NDSA called on authorities to take swift action, emphasizing that Sara-Igbe’s statements pose a significant threat to peace and security in the region.
