CITIZENS COMPASS– Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has reacted to the invitation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for a tour of its refineries.
He condemned the manner of approach by the petroleum company.
The invitation, announced publicly by NNPCL, followed Obasanjo’s recent remarks criticizing the mismanagement of Nigeria’s refineries and the failure of past privatization initiatives during his administration.
However, Obasanjo has described the invitation as inappropriate, pointing out that no formal communication was sent to him as of January 2, 2024.
Speaking through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo condemned the public approach, asserting that it revealed a lack of respect for his office.
“Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country? Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is total disrespect for the office of the former president,” Akinyemi said.
He continued, “Ask the NNPCL—have they sent him any official letter inviting him to the refinery? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such a response.”
Obasanjo’s frustration also stems from unresolved issues surrounding refinery management during his presidency. He recalled how a $750 million proposal from billionaire Aliko Dangote to take over operations of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries was blocked by his successor, the late President Musa Yar’Adua. The decision was influenced by NNPC’s assurance that it could handle refinery operations internally.
Despite billions of dollars reportedly spent on rehabilitation efforts—exceeding $2 billion—the refineries remain largely dysfunctional.
NNPCL, however, maintains that progress is being made, citing ongoing rehabilitation work at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The oil corporation’s public invitation has drawn criticism from observers, who argue that the informal nature of the announcements undermines the dignity of a former head of state.
—G-W-G
