CurrentReport Blog Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for what he described as a disrespectful invitation to tour the newly revived Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
Obasanjo’s spokesperson, Kehinde Akinyemi, revealed this on Friday, emphasizing the former president’s dissatisfaction with the manner of the invitation.
Background
The controversy began when Obasanjo accused the state-owned oil company of rejecting a $750 million offer from billionaire Aliko Dangote to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries. Obasanjo faulted the NNPCL for declining the proposal despite its struggles to effectively operate the facilities.
In response to Obasanjo’s criticism, NNPCL extended an open invitation to the former president to inspect the refurbished Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
Obasanjo’s Reaction
Reacting through his spokesperson, Obasanjo expressed displeasure with the manner of the invitation, stating that NNPCL had not formally invited him via an official letter.
“Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president,” Akinyemi said.
Obasanjo’s aide further questioned whether the NNPCL had sent any official communication as of January 2, stating that the former president could not dignify such an invitation with a response.
NNPCL’s Silence
The NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, has yet to respond to Obasanjo’s comments at the time of this report.
