Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for disrespecting his office. The criticism follows an open invitation to tour the refurbished Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries.

Obasanjo’s spokesperson, Kehinde Akinyemi, called the invitation an “absolute insult.” He said the NNPCL failed to send a formal letter to the former president. “Is this the right way to invite a former president?” Akinyemi asked.

The NNPCL issued the invitation after Obasanjo accused the company of rejecting Aliko Dangote’s $750 million offer to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries. Obasanjo criticized the company for its inability to manage the plants effectively.

Akinyemi questioned whether the NNPCL had officially reached out to Obasanjo. As of January 2, has any letter been sent? This is total disrespect, he stated.

NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye has not responded to Obasanjo’s comments.

The clash has reignited concerns over how NNPCL handles its operations and engages with critics.