My attention has been drawn to a rejoinder by one Olufemi Soneye, who claims to be the spokesperson of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), in response to the Thursday, 12th September 2024 edition of my column in The Sun, titled “NNPCL As A Black Hole.” Ordinarily, I would not have dignified the author with a response, but I see an opportunity to educate him and other spokespersons of public organizations on their roles. It is unfortunate that some individuals who present themselves as spokespersons are either not trained or poorly trained. Many of them often misconstrue their roles as attack dogs rather than ambassadors of their organizations.
If, as a consumer of petroleum products, I choose to complain about the mismanagement of the sector, I am well within my rights. To suggest bias or mischief as the reason for my complaint against an incompetent system that has crippled economic activities is ignorant. A well-trained spokesperson should have responded by presenting facts to counter my alleged assumptions. The mere fact that we are queuing for fuel is proof enough of the injury we suffer, coupled with the exorbitant prices imposed on us. A good spokesperson would have viewed such criticism as feedback for improvement, not an attack. The organization should continuously apologize to the public for its failures, rather than responding with aggression, which only worsens its situation.
The author referenced my service in Lagos State, as if he knows me, yet failed to appreciate who I am. I do not know his age, and although I could investigate, I choose not to, as my point is not about youth equating ignorance but rather about understanding the source of his intemperance. Many young men in authority exercise caution, seeing their positions as a call to service, not as a platform to clean up the image of a corrupt organization and its leadership. The writer insinuated that I am ignorant of the inner workings of NNPCL, but through this rejoinder, it will be clear who is truly ignorant.
The Yoruba say, “Ti omode o ba ba itan, a ba aroba; aroba si ni baba itan,” meaning that if a child did not witness an event, he will at least encounter its record, which is superior to the event itself. The author could have easily learned more about me by conducting basic research or asking the Chairman of NNPCL, Chief Pius Akinyelure, about my person. I do not belong to the class of those who engage in public spats or are triggered by third parties. Out of respect for the Chairman, I will moderate my response and not expose the full extent of the issues within the system, despite the misguided and confused reaction of Soneye.
The confusion in Soneye’s response to my article reflects the same confusion within NNPCL. Honour has vanished from the country, and in a more dignified society, NNPCL officials would have resigned by now. Instead, they continue to cling to their positions, despite their incompetence. The Yoruba elders wisely said, “Ti ile o ba i tii pa osika, a ni awa won la jo n se ile yii t’o fi n gun,” meaning that until the wicked are caught in their treachery, they will continue to boast of their contributions. NNPCL’s mismanagement has not only led to the collapse of businesses but also to the deaths of many Nigerians, even at fuel stations.
It is shameful that Soneye could respond to legitimate criticism without recognizing the plight of Nigerians. His response was directionless and lacked the institutional memory expected of someone in his role. NNPCL has a history of unfulfilled promises, like its failure to deliver on the completion of the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries. Similarly, the much-celebrated tracking system to eliminate fuel smuggling, promised years ago, has not materialized. This reflects the overall incompetence of an organization that has spent decades paying massive salaries without producing a single litre of refined fuel.
The author’s failure to grasp the true nature of the fuel subsidy issue further exposes his lack of understanding. NNPCL has reintroduced subsidies in a different form, using public resources to pay for what was once condemned as a monster destroying the economy. The deregulation of the sector has been undermined by NNPCL’s role as the sole importer of petroleum products. Logic seems absent from the company’s decisions, and now that NNPCL is accumulating debts, it is unclear what the solution will be.
Soneye’s insinuations of bias on my part are baseless and laughable. I have no interest in replacing anyone in NNPCL, nor have I been influenced by any external parties. His attempt to defend the indefensible, out of survival, has only resulted in a poorly executed response. Men of honour seem to have disappeared, and instead of pleading with Nigerians for forgiveness, the organization continues to test our patience.
Finally, I liken NNPCL to the Yoruba symbol of “amukunmeko” – a dirty man who consumes his pap with the mucus dripping from his nose. This image perfectly represents an organization that fails to distinguish between its operations and its waste. When the “amukunmekos” leave NNPCL, Nigerians will breathe easier. For now, I will sheath my sword.
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