Its “disrespectful” as Obasanjo reacts to invitation by FG to come and inspect status of Refineries

Its “disrespectful” as Obasanjo reacts to invitation by FG to come and inspect status of Refineries

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) recent open invitation for him to visit the newly revived Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries, labeling the gesture as “disrespectful.”

In a statement released on Friday by his spokesperson, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo reacted to the NNPCL’s move following his earlier criticisms of the company.

The former president had accused NNPCL of rejecting a $750 million offer from business mogul Aliko Dangote, who had proposed to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.

Obasanjo questioned NNPCL’s decision to dismiss Dangote’s offer, citing the company’s ongoing struggles in efficiently managing the refineries.

However, in response to the open invitation for a tour, Obasanjo made it clear that he viewed the manner in which the invitation was extended as an affront to his position as a former head of state.

He pointed out that NNPCL had failed to formally reach out to him for the tour, underscoring the lack of respect for his office.

The former president’s remarks have added fuel to ongoing concerns about the management and future of Nigeria’s oil refineries, with many questioning the effectiveness of NNPCL’s approach to revitalising critical national infrastructure.

“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 a total disrespect for the office of the former president.

“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,” Obasanjo’s aide stated.