Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has slammed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited over its recent invitation to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery and verify its current operational status.

Naija News reported that the invitation comes in response to Obasanjo’s recent interview with Channels Television, where he referenced advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) indicating that the refinery might not function efficiently. SPDC, which was approached for equity participation in the refinery, reportedly raised concerns about corruption affecting its operations.

The former president also accused NNPCL of allegedly misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s performance.

Obasanjo said the oil company had not sent any formal invitation to him as of Thursday, January 2, 2024.

He said, “Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country? Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president.

“Ask the NNPCL that as of January 2, have they written to him? Is there any official letter addressed to him, inviting him to the refinery? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response.”