– Demands removal
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Tensions have escalated at the Port Harcourt Refinery Depot as the Host Community Petroleum Bulk Retailers have accused the Refinery Coordinator, Engr. Bayo Aderenle, of deliberately sabotaging the facility in favour of a private refinery interest.
Recall that the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt refinery, Ibrahim Onoja, along with other 170 management staff of NNPC Limited loyal to the former CEO Mele Kyari, were recently sacked by the federal government, while Coordinators were appointed to oversee the nation’s four refineries.
In a strongly worded joint statement signed by Chairman of the group and senior board members Chief Sunny Nkpe, Comrade Emmanuel Inimgba, and Dr. Joseph Obele, the group alleged that Engr. Aderenle is orchestrating a shutdown of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery in a “calculated ploy” to hand over market control to a privately-owned refinery he allegedly fronts
The group claimed that Aderenle’s actions are driven by personal gain, not national interest.
They further accused him of denying the host communities their benefits during the rehabilitation phase, including contracts, employment, and economic empowerment initiatives.
“As we speak, the old Port Harcourt Refinery has initiated the process of shutting down on the directives of Engr. Bayo,” the statement read.
“This sabotage will inevitably lead to increased fuel prices in Nigeria, further exacerbating the economic hardship faced by our people. We hold Engr. Aderenle directly responsible for this impending crisis.
“Instead of empowering our youths and local contractors, he enriched his allies and denied us the proceeds from scraps and other entitlements.”
Beyond alleged economic sabotage, the group said Engr. Aderenle’s conduct is also undermining the long-term viability of the refinery’s full operations.
According to them, his interference has stalled the completion of the Crude Distillation Unit, CRU, in the old plant and slowed progress on Areas 1, 2, and 3 of the new refinery.
“There’s a looming disengagement of our sons and daughters working on operations and maintenance at the facility. We will not fold our arms and watch the efforts of the Federal Government go to waste. We will resist, through all legal means, any agenda aimed at killing this refinery.”
To avert a full-blown crisis, the Host Community Petroleum Bulk Retailers are demanding the immediate removal of Engr. Aderenle and the urgent appointment of a substantive Managing Director for the Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC.
“A permanent Managing Director will bring stability and direction, ensuring the refinery’s revival and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.”
The group called on the Minister of State for Petroleum, the GCEO of NNPC Limited, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to intervene and “hold Engr. Bayo Aderenle accountable before further damage is done to Nigeria’s refining future.”
As at press time, there has been no official response from the management of the Port Harcourt Refining Company or the NNPC Limited.
