ABUJA: The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum (NDENYLF) on Wednesday staged a protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Towers, Abuja, demanding the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Bashir Ojulari, over alleged corruption and mismanagement.
The protesters, who stormed the Towers in large numbers, blocked both the entrance and exit gates, chanting solidarity songs and displaying banners with inscriptions calling for Ojulari’s removal.
They also demanded the appointment of an indigene of the Niger Delta region as GCEO, the reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery, and the reinstatement of Niger Delta indigenes allegedly sacked by Ojulari.
The protest caused heavy traffic disruption in the area as motorists and NNPC staff were forced to park far away from the company’s premises.
Security operatives were seen appealing to the youths to remain orderly while ensuring traffic flow.
Management of NNPC later held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the coalition.
Speaking after the meeting, Comrade Edet Eyo, President of the Oro Youth Movement (OYOM), said that the management promised to look into their demands.
He added that the group would consult its members before deciding whether to suspend the protest.