Group Criticizes Obasanjo for Undermining State Refineries, Calls for Nation-Building Focus

• Movement for Anti-Corruption, Integrity, and Transparency Initiative Critises Former President Olusegun Obansanjo
• Tells him to stop undermining State Refineries
• Accuses him of acting based on personal grievances.

A civil society organization, the Movement for Anti-Corruption, Integrity, and Transparency Initiative, has sharply criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent remarks about Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

The group accused Obasanjo of allowing personal grievances to influence his negative stance on the refineries, stemming from his failed attempts to privatize them during his administration.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, the group, led by National President Comrade Goodway Jackson and Secretary General Comrade Mohammed Kuda, argued that Obasanjo’s repeated criticism of the state-owned refineries is driven by the reversal of refinery privatizations during the tenure of his successor, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

They suggested that Obasanjo’s stance represents a personal vendetta rather than a constructive contribution to the country’s oil sector.

Obasanjo’s comments included accusations of mismanagement and corruption within the state-owned refineries.

He expressed frustration over the lack of progress despite over $2 billion in expenditures since 2007.

The former president also mentioned that Shell and Aliko Dangote had previously shown interest in managing the refineries, but their offers were declined, with Shell citing concerns over poor maintenance and corruption, while Dangote’s proposal was rejected by Obasanjo’s successor due to NNPC’s assurances of handling the refineries.

In response, NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye defended the corporation, stating that the refineries had undergone significant maintenance and invited Obasanjo to visit the facilities to witness the progress.

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The Movement for Anti-Corruption, Integrity, and Transparency Initiative urged all stakeholders to focus on nation-building and effective management of resources rather than pursuing personal agendas.

They emphasized the importance of supporting state-owned enterprises and warned against undermining efforts that contribute to national development.

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