Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed strong disapproval over the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (NNPC) invitation. The open invitation to tour the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries was described as “absolutely disrespectful” by Obasanjo.
Obasanjo Slams NNPC for Lack of Formal Invitation
Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, clarified that no formal invitation was extended to the former president. Instead, the invitation was made public through media channels. Akinyemi emphasized that this approach was “a total disrespect for the office of the former president.”
“Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country?” Akinyemi questioned. “Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president.”
He further inquired, “Ask the NNPCL that as of January 2, have they written to him? Is there any official letter addressed to him, inviting him to the refinery? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response,” the media aide stated.
Obasanjo Slams NNPC While Addressing Refinery Mismanagement
The controversy follows Obasanjo’s candid remarks about the state of Nigeria’s refineries during an interview on Channels Television. He recalled how his successor, Musa Yar’Adua, rejected a $750 million offer from Aliko Dangote to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries. Obasanjo pointed out that companies like Shell declined opportunities to manage these refineries due to concerns about operational inefficiencies.
NNPC Responds to Criticism With an Invitation
In response, NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye defended the corporation’s progress. Soneye insisted that the refineries are operational and invited Obasanjo to witness the advancements firsthand. However, Obasanjo’s camp dismissed the invitation as “an absolute insult,” reiterating their refusal to engage.
Public Skepticism Surrounding Refinery Operations
The reopening of the Warri refinery has faced criticism from Nigerians. Many question whether the promised improvements will materialize. The NNPC claims ongoing overhauls will bring the facilities up to world-class standards, but scepticism remains high.
