Groups Seek Nationwide Backing For Port Harcourt Refinery Rehabilitation

Humanities Welfare and Social Development Initiative, alongside other civil society organisations, have called for public support for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery.

In a press statement signed by Felix Nnalue Attah, the ED/national convener of the Humanities Welfare and Social Development Initiative, the groups urged Nigerians to keep faith with GCEO, Mr Mele Kyari, for the rehabilitation project.

He condemned the continuous attacks on Kyari, whose leadership is making efforts to rehabilitate and reposition the refinery, where rehabilitation work has been ongoing for over two years.

He said, “We are distraught and concerned to observe and notice disparaging comments from various quarters sponsored by some high profiled business personalities in the oil sector, widespread scepticism and a lack of confidence in the NNPCL’s sincere efforts to deliver within the latest stated record time- this August.

“It’s against this backdrop and to support the NNPCL’s efforts that our civil society coalition wishes to state the obvious very clearly as a matter of utmost importance that Nigerians should keep faith in the said promise made by Mr Mele Kyari, the Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation project is ongoing and possibly further corroborate and reinforce NNPCL’s promise of Port Harcourt refinery’s readiness this August, Nigerians seems to be losing patience which is undoubtedly valid.

“More also we believe the NNPCL and Nigeria’s oil industry need the overarching support of Nigerians and various civil society groups, especially in shaping public opinion on the workings and mandate of various stakeholders in the sector to reduce the numerous conflicts, brainwashing, half-truths and incitements that Nigerians are easily misinformed.”

He further said that as a civil society organisation, it would not fold its hands and watch the assassination of Mr Mele Kyari’s character, especially in the major controversies surrounding the oversight functions of the ad-hoc committee of the National Assembly.