Obasanjo Slams NNPCL for “Disrespectful” Open Invitation to Tour Refineries
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized an open invitation extended by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to visit the newly revived Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries, calling it an act of disrespect.
Obasanjo’s spokesperson, Kehinde Akinyemi, made the accusation public on Friday, following NNPCL’s invitation after the former president’s earlier comments about the company rejecting Aliko Dangote’s offer to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
Obasanjo had expressed concerns over NNPCL’s rejection of Dangote’s $750 million proposal, especially considering the state-owned company’s reported struggles with managing the refineries. In response to NNPCL’s invitation to tour the revamped facilities, Obasanjo declared that the casual manner of the invite was not only inappropriate but a clear disregard for the office of a former president.
Akinyemi remarked that the manner of the invitation — not in the form of an official letter — was insulting to Obasanjo’s office. He questioned the formality of the invite, asking, “Has NNPCL formally written to him as of January 2? Has there been any official letter sent?” He further added, “This lack of respect is an absolute insult, and the former president will not dignify it with a response.”
As of the latest update, NNPCL’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, has not issued any public comment regarding Obasanjo’s response.
