Abuja: The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), a think-tank, has rejected claims made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the Federal Government plans to sell its current refineries. TMSG criticized the narrative being promoted by the ADC media office, describing it as misleading.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the group stated in a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, that the claims could mislead unsuspecting Nigerians. They accused the ADC of using half-truths and misleading narratives to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The group highlighted that the ADC quoted Bashir Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), out of context during his recent interview at the Ninth OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, Austria.
The group clarified that Ojulari had mentioned that NNPCL is conducting a comprehensive review of its refinery rehabilitation strategy, and that the conclusions from the exercise could prompt a change in approach. They emphasized that Ojulari’s statement that “a sale remains a possibility” does not justify ADC’s conclusion of selling the refineries. The NNPCL management is reviewing the refinery rehabilitation strategy, following an unsatisfactory revamp of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, and all options remain on the table until the review process is complete.
TMSG also addressed claims by ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, about the Tinubu administration planning to sell the refineries after spending 2.8 billion US dollars on them. The group refuted this, noting that the approvals for the refineries’ overhaul were granted in March and August 2021, long before President Tinubu took office. They pointed out that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the issue and has recently questioned former NNPCL management staff about funds allocated for refinery rehabilitation.
The group called for a full audit of funds spent on refinery rehabilitation since the Olusegun Obasanjo era if possible. They urged opposition figures to embrace sincerity in their criticisms if they want to be perceived differently by Nigerians. TMSG warned Nigerians to be cautious of opposition attempts to spread half-truths under the pretense of accountability.
