Obasanjo Reacts Strongly To NNPCL’s Invitation: ‘An Insult To My Office

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) over its recent invitation for him to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery and assess its operational status.

The invitation followed Obasanjo’s interview on Channels Television, where he mentioned advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which suggested that the refinery might not be operating efficiently. SPDC, which was approached for equity participation in the refinery, raised concerns about corruption impacting its operations.

Obasanjo also accused NNPCL of misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s performance.

In response, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, highlighted the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He invited Obasanjo to witness the progress made at the refinery since its rehabilitation, emphasizing the company’s efforts to transform the facility to international standards. Soneye also mentioned that similar rehabilitation projects are ongoing at other refineries, including the Warri, old Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries.

Soneye noted that NNPCL’s transition from a government corporation to a private limited liability company has refocused its priorities on profitability, aiming to position the company as a competitive global energy player.

However, Obasanjo, through his media aide Kehinde Akinyemi, expressed disdain over the invitation in an interview with Punch. He described the invitation as a total disrespect to his person and office, emphasizing that the oil company had not sent any formal invitation to him as of Thursday, January 2, 2024.

Obasanjo questioned, “Is that how a former president should be invited? 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 pointed out, “Ask the NNPCL, 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.”