By Ekuson Nw'Ogbunka 

Abuja


Amobi Nzelu, Esq, a renowned constitutional lawyer and Principal Partner at Chinenye Chambers, has raised concerns over potential foul play in the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) transactions between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery.


Speaking to journalists at his Abuja chambers over the weekend, Nzelu questioned the authenticity of the reported purchasing price of petrol from Dangote Refinery, which staands at N980.00 per liter, as claimed by NNPCL. He argued that it is inconceivable for both crude oil and finished products domesticated in Nigeria, yet the price exceeds that of imported petrol.


Nzelu posed a critical question: "Is Dangote Refinery withholding information from Nigerians, or is the refinery vulnerable to cheap blackmail, a tactic notoriously employed by the cabal that has held this country hostage for years?"


According to him, the orchestrated assault on the sensibility of Nigerians is becoming so pronounced that, the truth must be told, even as he queried if there are interests that are being factored into the price or if that is the actual price the petrol is being sold to the NNPCL? While observing that over 200 million Nigerians are living under permanent distress, generated by the ungodly petrol price, Nzelu however added that the prayers of Nigerians that things will ease, as soon as Dangote Refinery comes on board, appears to be prayers unanswered.


In his advice, he said: "Revolution starts from one person, not from a crowd and such revolution is routed in speaking the truth. American revolution was started by a woman called Roseline Park. It gave the blacks the right to vote and be voted for, thus Obama became the first Afro - American president. 


"Dangote Refinery should boldly come out to tell us the actual price they are selling the petrol to the NNPCL. If there are mouths or interest factored - in, Nigerians would take the necessary actions and do the needful. This grave yard silence on issue of this nature is not in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians that are wallowing in abject poverty."


While informing that if fully operational, the capacity of Dangote Refinery will produce 650,000 barrels per day, and adding that Mr President approved selling crude to Dangote in Naira, Amobi Nzelu therefore stated that there are 159 litres in a barrel. He said from the 400,000 barrels, 63,600,000 litres will be produced daily.


However, Nzelu said that there is a rumour that that there is a mark up on the actual price given to the NNPCL by Dangote Refinery. The amount, according to him was alleged to take care of big mouths, the cabal and those that are playing in the big league. Dangote Refinery should refute or accept this allegation of mark up 


"The question is, for what reason, purpose and who are the cabals that are playing in the big league that shore this mark up? Conscience is an open wound, and only truth can heal it. Dangote Refinery should speak up for Nigerians to know who there enemies are. It will be a sad narrative, if we appy reverse gear on issues of this nature," the constitutional lawyer observed.


"I opine that those who refuse to do the needful, will soon flounder in the sewage of 'had I known' as if care is not taken, they will be forced to read the book of lamentation. Dangote Refinery must  speak out now