Ob

asanjo Rejects NNPCL Refinery Invitation: "Absolute Insult," Says Aide

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – January 2, 2024 – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has vehemently rejected an invitation from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to visit the Port Harcourt refinery, describing the invitation as an "absolute insult" to his office.

The invitation, extended following Obasanjo's comments expressing concerns about the refinery's operational capacity and alleged corruption hindering its progress, was reportedly conveyed through the media rather than a formal letter. This lack of protocol has sparked outrage within Obasanjo's camp.

Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo's media aide, confirmed to De Parrot Media that as of today, no official correspondence has been received. Akinyemi relayed Obasanjo's strong feelings, stating, "Is this the proper way to invite a former president? Who says Baba even saw the news or the statement? It’s an utter disrespect for the office.”

The NNPCL, however, maintains its commitment to transparency. Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye reiterated the company's ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt refinery, along with others in Warri and Kaduna, to international standards. Soneye emphasized the company's sweeping reforms aimed at improving performance and profitability.

Despite NNPCL’s claims of progress, Obasanjo’s sharp rebuke highlights deep-seated concerns regarding the management and transparency within Nigeria's oil and gas sector. The incident raises further questions about accountability and the effectiveness of ongoing rehabilitation efforts. The lack of a formal invitation, according to Obasanjo's office, underscores the broader challenges facing Nigeria's attempts to revitalize its oil infrastructure. De Parrot Media will continue to monitor this developing story.