As Dangote Refinery begins local supply of petrol, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has appealed to the industrialist and owner of the refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to prioritize patriotism and nationalism above profit.
Showunmi, in a statement on Tuesday, said Nigerians had suffered a lot and bore a great burden in having to pay heavily for a litre of petrol.
The PDP stalwart, who was joyful over the readiness of Dangote Refinery to begin to supply the country with petrol for local consumption, pleaded with the industrialist to be moderate with the pricing.
Showunmi said that the act of selfless love for the people, which runs in the family of Dangote must be reflected in the way and manner the petroleum products from his refinery are sold to the people.
The Abeokuta-born politician described Dangote as a great gift to Africa, hailing him for doing so much, especially, in the area of investment and employment creation, to redeem the pride of the Black race.
Showunmi said, “Dear Aliko Dangote, son of Mariya, a great gift to us in Nigeria. Thank you for this day. You have redeemed our pride as Black people, as humans capable of contributing value and engaging in the activities that others do, with the coming onstream of the PMS from your Dangote Refinery. A grateful nation thanks you.
“You must, however, try as much as possible to be moderate in your pricing, for our people have bore such a heavy burden for so long, I get sustainable pricing, but ensure that the markup takes into consideration our people.”
According to Showunmi, Dangote comes from a long-standing historical business family.
“Profit is good, but nationalism, patriotism and empathy must be your guide. May our creator bless and preserve Dangote Refinery, the workers, and all that have dealings with it,” he concluded.
PUNCH