The Arewa Progressive Vanguard (APV), a sociopolitical network group representing the 19 northern states and the diaspora, has called on individuals, groups, and associations to cease their attacks on the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Adedapo Segun.
Mr. Segun, who was appointed CFO in November 2024, has faced numerous criticisms from various groups, including legal actions and demands for his inclusion in the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the mismanagement of funds at the Port Harcourt refinery.
In a statement released on Thursday, signed by Alhaji Idris Musa, the Global President of APV, the group condemned calls for Mr. Segun’s resignation and warned against distractions that could inflame ethnic tensions.
The group emphasised that NNPCL is a complex and sensitive organisation, and a person in the position of CFO requires an environment of calm and peace to perform their duties effectively.
“Just a few days ago, one group accused the EFCC of selective investigation, claiming that Mr. Adedapo Segun’s exclusion from the probe was due to his Yoruba background. We view such statements as short-sighted, insensitive, and highly inflammatory. As a respected international organisation that advocates for peace, unity, and development in northern Nigeria, we firmly believe that these kinds of remarks have no place in our discourse.
“Corruption knows no ethnic or regional boundaries. The EFCC is a professional body that doesn’t need any group’s approval to carry out its responsibilities. If Mr. Segun is found guilty, we have no doubt the EFCC will take the necessary actions. But we must also avoid creating unnecessary division.”
The group further warned those inflaming ethnic tensions to cease immediately, reminding them that the nation has already endured enough and cannot afford further conflict. “We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Civil war is not an option for Nigeria. We must be patient with the institutions tasked with investigations and refrain from social media trials. The role of CFO is crucial to our national economy, and we should not undermine our institutions for personal or political gain,” the statement read.
The APV also stated that while Mr. Segun should not be exempt from accountability if investigations reveal wrongdoing, it is important that individuals and groups stop using such matters for blackmail or sabotage.
