... Warns Against Use of Refinery for Importation, Blending of Adulterated Fuel
BY Dansu Peter
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Solidarity Network has condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its failure to deliver on the Port Harcourt Refinery project despite a $2 billion investment.
The group warned Mele Kyari over the potential use of the Port Harcourt Refinery for importing and blending adulterated fuel as it won't only undermine the country's economic interests but also poses significant environmental and health risks.
Olayemi Isaac, President of the group, speaking at a press conference demanded accountability and justice for the missing funds and called for an immediate investigation into the matter.
He alleged that Mele Kyari has deliberately refused to fix the refineries to sustain fuel subsidies, import blended fuel, and siphon taxpayers' money.
Isaac condemned the NNPCL's attempts to import refined products, calling it a smokescreen designed to deceive Nigerians.
He emphasised that the Port Harcourt Refinery project's failure is a clear indication of NNPCL's failure to act in Nigerians' best interests.
“We demand the immediate investigation and probe into the missing $2 billion that was purportedly spent on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refineries, a project that has failed to come alive,” Olayemi said.
“Despite multiple attempts, multiple rounds of funding, and numerous promises from officials, the Port Harcourt Refineries remain non-operational. This is not only a failure in leadership, but a deliberate sabotage of the Nigerian economy and the welfare of its citizens.
“To date, Nigeria has four state-owned refineries located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. However, these refineries have been non-functional for years, despite the fact that billions of naira have been spent on their maintenance. We find it unfathomable that an oil-producing country like Nigeria cannot refine its own crude oil.
“More troubling is the fact that every time we are told that the refineries will be repaired and functional, they fail to come to life. The Port Harcourt Refineries alone have been announced to undergo rehabilitation several times, but they remain in a state of dormancy.
“This is why we, the APC Youth Solidarity Network, have chosen to speak out. We cannot remain silent while the resources meant for the development of our country are being misappropriated. The Port Harcourt Refineries Project is one of the clearest examples of corruption, negligence, and incompetence within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of Mr. Mele Kyari.
“Despite the billions of dollars claimed to have been spent on the project, the refineries have yet to produce any results. This begs the question: where is the $2 billion allocated for the project? It has become apparent that there is more to this than meets the eye.
“We are not merely witnessing a failure in the execution of a project; rather, we are seeing a calculated effort to keep the refineries non-functional so that certain individuals can continue to benefit from the importation of refined petroleum products.
“There have been investigations that suggest Mele Kyari has deliberately refused to fix the refineries, including the Port Harcourt Refineries, in order to sustain the payment of fuel subsidies, import blended fuel into the country, and use the refineries as a conduit for siphoning taxpayers’ money. This is a gross betrayal of the trust of Nigerians and a far outcry from the philosophy of the APC.
“Evidently, the continued importation of fuel is not in the best interest of Nigerians. It enriches a few at the expense of the many. Mr. Kyari, instead of fulfilling his duty to the nation, has allegedly collaborated with rogue elements that own blending plants outside the country, allowing them to import adulterated oil into Nigeria.”
The APC Youth Solidarity Network urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and relevant authorities to take immediate action.
They demand an immediate investigation and probe into Mele Kyari and those involved in the Port Harcourt Refineries Project management, restructuring of NNPCL to make it more transparent and accountable, consequences for corruption, and an end to fuel subsidies.
"Furthermore, the Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ) calls on all relevant authorities, including the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the international community, to urgently intervene in the situation in Rivers State.
"The abuse of power by Governor Fubara and his enablers must not go unchecked. The rule of law must be restored, and the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State must be protected. If left unchallenged, the actions of Governor Fubara will set a dangerous precedent for other state governors to follow, leading to the complete erosion of democratic governance in Nigeria.
"Moreover, the CTJ urges the judiciary to revisit the sham court orders that have enabled Governor Fubara’s illegal actions. It is imperative that the courts restore their integrity by ensuring that justice is served, and that Governor Fubara is held accountable for his actions. The judiciary must stand firm as the last bastion of hope for the oppressed and the disenfranchised in Rivers State and across the nation."
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