An anti-corruption civil society organisation under the aegis of the Movement for Anti-Corruption, Integrity, and Transparency Initiative has expressed disagreement with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent criticism of Nigerian government-owned refineries and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). The organisation asserted that such comments were unhelpful and suggested that encouragement, rather than condemnation, was needed to support the country’s economic growth.
Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisation Faults Obasanjo’s Intentions
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the anti-corruption civil society organisation, represented by its National President, Comrade Goodway Jackson, and Secretary General, Comrade Mohammed Kuda, described Obasanjo’s remarks as distracting. They noted that his statements were motivated by personal grievances rather than genuine concern for the nation.
“The former president’s outburst stems from the reversal of the sales of parts of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries. The decision was made by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to safeguard the country’s interests,” the statement asserted.
Anti-Corruption CSO Highlights Refinery Sale Controversy
The anti-corruption civil society organisation cited renowned legal luminary Femi Falana’s response to Obasanjo’s criticism. Falana recalled that a 51% stake in the Port Harcourt Refinery had been sold by Obasanjo for $561 million. Similarly, a 51% stake in the Kaduna Refinery was sold for $160 million on May 28, 2007. However, late President Yar’Adua reversed these transactions, citing a lack of transparency and national interest concerns.
According to the organisation, “Femi Falana’s statement clarifies that Obasanjo’s criticism is tied to his personal dissatisfaction with the decision to annul the controversial sales.”
Encouragement for NNPCL Advocated
The anti-corruption civil society organisation emphasized the need to support the newly formed NNPCL to enhance its efficiency. “State-owned refineries and the NNPCL are pivotal for national development. They require constructive support, not distractions from past leaders,” the group added.
The organisation reiterated its stance that criticism should be constructive and aimed at fostering development rather than hindering progress. They urged stakeholders to focus on enabling the NNPCL to achieve its mandate effectively.
