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In a bold move signaling mounting civil discontent over alleged corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector, the Forum for Youth Development, Peace and Unity Initiative, in collaboration with 26 civil society organizations, has notified security authorities of its plan to stage a 12-day peaceful protest demanding the removal of the recently appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojuleru.
In a formal letter dated July 7, 2025, and addressed to the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), with a copy sent to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, the Forum stated that the protest would commence on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the NNPC Towers, Central Business District, Abuja.
The Forum, in the letter sighted by our correspondent, emphasized that the planned protest was a continuation of an earlier warning demonstration held on July 3, 2025, at the NNPC premises.
The letter read in parts: “This letter serves as formal notification from the Forum for Youth Development, Peace and Unity Initiative, in collaboration with over 26 civil society organizations, of our intention to hold a 12-day peaceful protest at the NNPC headquarters demanding the immediate removal from office the GCEO of NNPCL, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojuleri, over serious allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.”
The group accused Mr. Ojuleru of “continued stay in the office despite mounting public concern” and reiterated that the protest was aimed at drawing attention to what it described as “serious allegations” against the NNPCL chief.
The protest is scheduled to last for 12 consecutive days and will culminate in a dramatic international demonstration on the final day in London.
“We wish to inform your office that the final day of the protest (12th day) will be held at the Nigerian High Commission, located at 9 Northumberland Avenue, Westminster, London, United Kingdom,” the Forum wrote, adding that the action is “part of our international advocacy efforts to demand transparency and action on this matter.”
According to the letter, signed by Forum Chairman, Amb. Abdul Danbature, the London protest is “intended to alert the global community and diplomatic missions about the rising concern regarding the abuse of office and impunity in Nigeria’s oil sector.”
The Forum asserted the constitutional legitimacy of the protest, referencing the rights of Nigerians under the 1999 Constitution.
“This demonstration is a constitutional exercise of our rights under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and will be carried out peacefully, lawfully, and with full regard for public safety,” Danbature wrote.
He urged the DSS and the Police to take note of the protest plan and allow it to proceed without obstruction.
“Our collective aim is to drive transparency and accountability in our national institutions,” the letter concluded.
With rising public scrutiny of corruption in the oil and gas sector, the protest is expected to draw national and international attention. The coming days may witness increased pressure on NNPCL’s leadership and a broader call for reforms in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
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