By MUHAMMED DAMBABA
CSO Alleges Personal Agenda Behind Obasanjo’s Remarks
The Movement for Anti-Corruption, Integrity, and Transparency Initiative, a civil society organisation, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of harboring personal grievances in his criticisms of state-owned refineries and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement signed by National President Comrade Goodway Jackson and Secretary General Comrade Mohammed Kuda, the group alleged that Obasanjo’s persistent negative stance stems from the reversal of refinery privatisation efforts during his administration by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Obasanjo’s Criticism of State Refineries
Obasanjo recently lambasted state-owned refineries for mismanagement, recounting failed offers by companies like Shell and businessman Aliko Dangote to manage the facilities during his tenure. He highlighted the inefficiency of government-run refineries, contrasting them with Dangote’s privately owned facility, which he predicted would operate more efficiently.
The former president also criticized the lack of progress in refinery operations despite over $2 billion in investments since 2007.
NNPC Responds to Obasanjo’s Claims
NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye defended the corporation, stating that substantial progress had been made in maintaining the refineries. Soneye extended an invitation to Obasanjo to visit the facilities to see the advancements firsthand.
Movement for Anti-Corruption Calls for Constructive Solutions
The Movement for Anti-Corruption urged Obasanjo to move past personal grievances and contribute constructively to the nation’s oil sector. They emphasized that progress in managing state resources requires collaboration and nation-building rather than undermining efforts.
The group also encouraged stakeholders who support privatization contrary to national interests to establish their own refineries, following the example of the Dangote Group.
Final Remarks
The organization concluded that constructive engagement and depersonalized approaches are crucial for addressing challenges in Nigeria’s oil sector.