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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has openly criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for its recent invitation to inspect the Port Harcourt Refinery’s operational progress.
The invitation followed Obasanjo’s remarks during a Channels Television interview, where he cited concerns raised by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
According to Obasanjo, SPDC previously approached for equity participation in the refinery, warned that the facility might not operate effectively due to alleged corruption.
Obasanjo also accused NNPCL of misrepresenting the refinery’s current performance.
In response, Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Soneye highlighted ongoing rehabilitation at the Port Harcourt Refinery, describing it as a comprehensive upgrade to meet global standards, rather than routine maintenance.
He also mentioned similar projects underway at other refineries, including those in Warri, Kaduna, and the old Port Harcourt facility.
Soneye emphasized that NNPCL’s transformation into a private entity has shifted its focus to profitability, aiming to position the company as a global energy leader.
However, Obasanjo, speaking through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, dismissed the invitation as disrespectful.
In an interview with Punch, Akinyemi stated that no formal invitation had been sent to the former president as of January 2, 2024.
Akinyemi said, “Is that the appropriate way to invite a former president? Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news?
“It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president. As of January 2, has NNPCL sent a formal letter? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response.”