Insult To My Office’: Obasanjo Slams NNPCL Over Port Harcourt Refinery Invitation

Insult To My Office’: Obasanjo Slams NNPCL Over Port Harcourt Refinery Invitation

In the interview, Obasanjo had discussed the possibility that the refinery’s operations might not be running at full capacity, with SPDC, which had been approached for equity participation, expressing concerns about corruption hindering its progress. NNPCL, in response, extended an invitation for Obasanjo to visit the refinery and evaluate the progress made since its rehabilitation.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized the corporation’s commitment to transparency and improvement, highlighting a complete overhaul of the refinery to meet international standards. Similar rehabilitation projects are reportedly underway at other refineries, including those in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna.

However, Obasanjo has dismissed the invitation as an “absolute insult.” In an interview with Punch, his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, conveyed the former president’s frustration, noting that no formal letter had been sent to Obasanjo as of January 2, 2024. Obasanjo expressed dismay at the lack of respect for his office and refused to dignify such an informal invitation with a response.

He remarked, “Is this the proper way to invite a former president? Who says Baba even saw the news or the statement? It’s an utter disrespect for the office.”

While NNPCL claims that its recent reforms and actions are aimed at enhancing the refinery’s performance and profitability, Obasanjo’s scathing response underscores the deep dissatisfaction with the handling of the refinery’s operations.

The tension highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with the focus now on ensuring accountability and transparency for the benefit of the nation’s citizens.

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