Dangote's Refinery Ambitions in Rivers Disputed by APC Leader, Dismissing Allegations Against Amaechi
In a recent turn of events, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, has refuted allegations that former Rivers governor, Rotimi Amaechi, hindered Aliko Dangote's plan to establish a 650,000 barrels per day refinery in Port Harcourt.
According to Eze, Dangote's visit to Port Harcourt was primarily to establish a gas plant, not a refinery, in Rivers State. However, the exact details of Dangote's plan regarding a gas plant or refinery in Port Harcourt for the year 20xx are not explicitly detailed in available search results. It is known that the Dangote Refinery, a $19 billion petrochemical refinery with a capacity reaching 610,000 barrels per day, began operations in 2024 and is located in Lagos, not Port Harcourt.
Eze's statement comes in response to claims made by Chidi Wihioka, a former member of the House of Representatives, who accused Amaechi of disrespecting Dangote during negotiations on the construction of the refinery. Wihioka alleged that Amaechi thwarted the plan by not giving Dangote the attention needed and by making personal demands.
However, Eze questions Wihioka's motives for attacking Amaechi. He suggests that Wihioka may be fabricating stories as he was not present at the meeting. Eze also wonders how Wihioka could allow himself to be used to attack Amaechi, considering that Wihioka became the lawmaker representing Ikwerre/Emohua federal constituency due to Amaechi's influence.
Amaechi, on his part, made several other promises to ensure Dangote's project would proceed. Among these promises was the construction of a bridge to ease the movement of products for Dangote's project. Despite these assurances, Dangote left after his initial meeting with Amaechi and never returned, despite the state government's continued support for the project.
The ADC presidential ticket and Amaechi's political future are not mentioned in the current discourse. As the situation develops, more information regarding this matter is expected to come to light.
