‘Greedy cabal delaying refineries take-off’

The non-functionality of the country’s refineries and delay in rehabilitating them, especially the Port Harcourt facility, have been blamed on some members of a cabal profiting from fuel subsidy.

Professor of History of Art and Theory, University of Port Harcourt, Frank Ugiomoh, and the arts community in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Moriri Gallery, expressed the concern at the weekend during a stakeholders’ meeting.

They vowed to use creative works to address societal ills that have eaten deep into the country’s economy and citizens’ wellbeing.

While stressing the need to get the refineries and other moribund infrastructure in the country working, Ugiomoh said the refineries would revive and boost the nation’s economy when they become effective.

His words: “The pockets of many people working in government continues to be lined up with dollars and naira because the refineries are not working. The refineries would have boosted the nation’s economy within the context of modular refinery, but some people decide that it should not be allowed to work because they make money from its non-functionality.

“Those who make money from our collective common wealth are saying, ‘wait a bit’ and ‘the refineries cannot work’. That is the politics of the whole matter.”

Similarly, the Director of Moriri Gallery, Mr. Kayode Adeoti, said the group was concerned about good governance; hence, it uses its works to point at government failures and achievements as well as suggest ways for a better society.

He said: “Governance is a significant dimension of the human experience living in communities and societies. To govern is to organise people for their common good.”

Adeoti, said the community advocates good governance through inspirational and creative works, urging the public and relevant authorities to embrace the move.