The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has warned government officials and other Nigerians attacking the Dangote Refinery and its Chairman, Aliko Dangote, to desist from such actions.
The northern elders issued the warning in a statement signed by Convener Professor Ango Abdullahi.
They declared their determination to stand behind Dangote and strongly defend his investment.
The forum condemned the attempts to demarket the refinery, which NEF said is capable of saving the country from continued importation of refined petroleum products.
The statement said, “The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is watching with sustained interest the unfolding drama being orchestrated by some powerful vested interests to frustrate the good example set by the nation’s leading investor and foremost African entrepreneur, Alh. Aliko Dangote, who has defied all formidable odds to build a privately-owned world-class, ultramodern petroleum refinery in Nigeria.
“Dangote refinery, which is reputed to be the biggest single-train refinery in the world, is a technological marvel that showcases the most advanced innovation in the trade field and is also a symbol of our national pride.
“This remarkable business feat, which ordinarily should instantly earn him national encomiums and accolades, has paradoxically ignited the malicious fury of enemies of our dear country, who are strategically located in the oil and gas sector of the economy.
“Nigeria became the object of global ridicule, as we are the only OPEC member nation without refining capability and heavily dependent on mass importation of oil and other derivatives,” the statement said
The forum noted that Nigerians, who bear the brunt of escalating fuel prices and shortages, will no longer allow a few individuals to hold the economy hostage.
They commended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Heineken Lokpobri, for his timely action to address the situation.
The forum stated its determination to stand with Aliko Dangote in defense of the refinery.
