Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alessa Community Stakeholders, has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) claims of operational success at the Port Harcourt Refinery, describing them as “a mere show.”

Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, Mgbere described the refinery’s purported operational revival as “a mere show,” accusing NNPCL of misleading Nigerians about the facility’s actual performance.

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He said, “The Port Harcourt refinery, and by extension, the depot, has been the mainstay of the Alesa economy. The economic activities from this depot mean a lot to us as a community. But what we see in the media is far from the reality on the ground.”

He revealed that while some units of the old refinery, known as “Area 5,” have been reactivated, the operations remain partial and slow.

“It is not true that the refinery is producing 1.4 million barrels per day as claimed. That is a very big lie,” Mgbere said. “They have started something, and I give them credit for that, but it’s misleading to suggest the facility is fully operational.”

Mgbere alleged that the event held at the Port Harcourt depot on Tuesday, which was broadcast nationwide, was staged to give a false impression of significant progress.

He explained,“The party they had on Tuesday was held at the new loading gantry connected to the new refinery, not the old one. The old refinery’s tank farm contains stock that has been there for over three years. They released this old stock, loaded six trucks, and presented it as current production. That is not true.”

The community leader further claimed that NNPCL officials, including the Group Managing Director and other top executives, worked tirelessly in the days leading up to the event to create a positive public image.

“The GMD, the MD of the Port Harcourt Refinery, and other key figures were in Port Harcourt from Monday. They didn’t sleep Monday night, all to make sure this event appeared successful,” Mgbere said.

He also emphasized the disconnect between the facilities of the old and new refineries. “The old refinery has its own utilities, separate from the new refinery. The event was staged at the new gantry, which doesn’t service the old refinery. This raises questions about the validity of the production claims,” he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.

The appointment, effective from November 14, 2024, was announced in a statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Jamiu Abiola, a son of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, previously served as the Special Assistant on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-President.

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His new role will see him working closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement highlighted that Abiola’s appointment aligns with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters. The appointment takes effect from 14th November, 2024,” the statement read.

President Tinubu urged Abiola to leverage his wealth of experience in his new role, particularly in enhancing Nigeria’s foreign relations.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed widespread rumours of his death circulating on social media, reaffirming that he is very much alive.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Old Garage/Oke Fia-Lameco Dual carriageway in Osogbo, Osun State, Obasanjo expressed his disbelief at the false reports.

“I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it on social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I was alive. Those who want me dead, that is their wish but God still keeps me alive,” he said.

The former president also sent a stern warning to those spreading such falsehoods, stating, “Those who want me dead won’t escape tragedy themselves.” He criticised the misuse of technology, adding, “This kind of rumour is not only disturbing but shows the extent to which some people misuse technology. It is unacceptable.”

The event was part of a series of activities commemorating Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second anniversary in office. Governor Adeleke highlighted the government’s achievements, including over 120 kilometers of constructed roads and major infrastructural projects, all funded without loans.

“For the second half of our government, I reassure all sons and daughters of Osun State that the government under my leadership will complete all ongoing projects. We will continue to address the infra and social needs of our people,” Adeleke stated.

The occasion not only underscored the state’s commitment to development but also provided a platform for Obasanjo to reaffirm his vitality and dedication to public service.