WATCH THE VIDEO HERE FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for extending an “open invitation” to him to tour the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. Obasanjo described the invitation as “disrespectful” to his office and person. The former president’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, stated that the NNPCL had not sent a formal invitation to Obasanjo as of January 2, 2024. The invitation was extended by NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye in response to Obasanjo’s comments on the mismanagement of refineries during an interview on Channels Television. Obasanjo expressed frustration over the lack of progress despite significant expenditure since 2007. Obasanjo recounted how his successor, Musa Yar’Adua, rejected a $750 million offer from Aliko Dangote to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries. The former president questioned the NNPCL’s ability to manage the refineries, citing the rejection of Dangote’s offer. The NNPCL has insisted that the refineries are working, with Soneye stating that the corporation had carried out turnaround maintenance and a complete overhaul of the refineries to meet world-class standards. However, Obasanjo’s camp has dismissed the invitation as an insult, saying the former president will not dignify it with a response.
Obasanjo slams NNPCL’s invitation as disrespectful
