Reasons Akpodoro Hails Tinubu as “Jinx Breaker”
The Mayor of Urhoboland and leader of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), for the successful restart of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
In a statement released after the announcement of the refinery’s resumed activities on Tuesday, Akpodoro lauded President Tinubu for breaking the long-standing deadlock surrounding the refinery’s operations, describing him as a “jinx breaker.” He noted that previous administrations had failed to bring the refinery back to life despite significant financial investments, often turning its repairs into an ongoing financial burden.
Akpodoro criticized former governments, particularly those under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for allegedly using the refinery as a “drain on national wealth” while failing to deliver any meaningful progress. He also pointed out the shortcomings of the immediate past APC-led government under President Muhammadu Buhari, which, despite funding efforts, could not revive the refinery due to systemic corruption.
“Today, President Tinubu has done what previous leaders could not achieve, delivering a legacy project for Nigerians,” Akpodoro declared, commending Tinubu’s leadership and determination.
He expressed hope that the refinery, now operational at a capacity of 65,000 barrels per day, would help alleviate Nigeria’s energy challenges and potentially lower fuel prices through market-driven forces.
Akpodoro also commended Mele Kyari for his dedication and leadership in managing the NNPCL, acknowledging the CEO’s efforts to overcome obstacles such as oil theft and public skepticism. He praised Kyari for successfully navigating challenges and ensuring the refinery’s progress despite sabotage attempts aimed at prolonging Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports.
“This achievement gives Nigerians renewed hope for a brighter future,” Akpodoro concluded, highlighting the importance of the refinery’s reopening in Nigeria’s pursuit of greater energy independence.
