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EXCLUSIVE: Secret Recruitment: NNPC CEO, Kyari Employs Children Of Ex-President Buhari’s Aides, Top Politicians In Managerial Positions Without Due Process
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is embroiled in a fresh crisis over the secret recruitment of new employees without recourse to extant guidelines.
Sources said the new recruits were more than 200.
According to multiple sources, the recruitment was done between January and February 2023 by the Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari in contravention of the due process for conducting recruitments into Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as established by the Nigerian Government.
Most of those who benefited from the secretive process included children of personal aides and ministers of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Other beneficiaries of the crooked process were family members of senior government officials, lawmakers, and serving and past governors.
Topping the list are the children and relatives of the Personal Assistant on Domestic Affairs to Ex-President Buhari, Sarki Abba.
It was gathered that the exercise was lopsided in favour of certain sections of the country contrary to the provisions of the federal character.
The recruitments have drawn widespread condemnations from the staff of the agency who alleged the newly recruited persons were positioned over them.
“Over 200 people were secretly recruited here in NNPC to the position of Deputy Manager and Manager without following due process. The Group CEO of NNPC, Mele Kyari secretly recruited these people who are children of top politicians in the former administration without following the laid down rule which is against the public service act.
“Kyari unilaterally handed employment letters to these individuals without any competency aptitude test or interview, they are all children of top politicians of the Buhari’s administration and children of friends and family members.
“If you recall that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIA) was passed into law for more transparency and accountability in NNPC but the reverse is the case, the PIA has given the group CEO enormous powers that he now runs NNPC as his personal company without recourse to any law, because as it stands now, nobody is checking him and he does whatever he likes.
“A lot of my colleagues from SS4 to SS1 were denied promotion by Kyari, only for him to recruit inexperienced people as Deputy Manager and Manager at the detriment of experienced hands, this is quite unfortunate.
“Many staff members of NNPC are not happy with the way the company is being managed by Kyari, so we are calling on President Bola Tinubu and relevant authorities to revoke the appointment letters and due process should be followed,” an employee of NNPC told SaharaReporters.
Garba Deen Muhammad, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC confirmed the secret recruitment process.
He, however, told SaharaReporters that only a few people were employed.
“As a CAMA company we conduct our activities based on business needs and we are not obliged to follow dictates other than what serves our business needs and in accordance with our vision, mission and values,” Muhammad told SaharaReporters.
“Thus as a matter of exigency, NNPC resorted to headhunting. Based on specific skill needs, the company employed a few people (about 20). NNPC did not employ 200 as you mentioned.”
Recently, SaharaReporters exclusively reported how Kyari and Chief Financial Officer of the NNPC, Umar Ajiya paid themselves billions of Naira as gratuities while still in active service
According to a source, the officials made the move over the fear of being retired compulsorily by the new government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Isn’t this corruption? Our Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari and the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya paid themselves gratuity running into billions of naira while still in active service which is against the public service rules,” a source had said.
“With the Petroleum Industry Act that was passed by the National Assembly, NNPC transited into a limited liability company with share capital for more transparency and accountability and to be a profit-driven organization. But unfortunately, under Kyari and Ajiya, the reverse is the case.
“The fear that they may be sacked or asked to go on retirement suddenly made these two individuals to pay themselves humongous gratuity while still in active service.
“They are both running NNPC as their personal company because nobody is checkmating the both of them.”
But Muhammad denied the allegations, saying they were paid for their services to “NNPC and not NNPCL.”
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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