... says attacks on Delta senators, political leaders unwarranted and misdirected
Member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, has clarifying the facts surrounding the ongoing discussions about the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects in Kogi State.
He denounced the misinformation being peddled and emphasized that the gas plant in Kogi is not a product of political maneuvering by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, but a well-calculated economic decision facilitated by the already existing gas infrastructure.
According to him, gas and gas plants fall strictly under the Committee on Gas and not the Local Content Committee, as some falsely claim.
Hon. Waive refuted the narrative that the present administration initiated the pipeline carrying gas from the Niger Delta to Niger Republic. He reminded Nigerians that former President Muhammadu Buhari began the construction of the pipeline, and it is impossible for the current government to take credit for its establishment. "Such large-scale infrastructure projects require long-term planning and are beyond the tenure of a single administration."
He also pointed out that Niger Delta lawmakers in the 9th Assembly never opposed the pipeline construction during Buhari’s tenure. "If this project were truly questionable, why did Niger Delta representatives remain silent then?" he asked. The answer, he said, is simple—there was never any controversy until some elements began using it for political gain.
Now that the pipeline has been completed and extends through Kogi State, Hon. Waive stressed that gas availability in the region has significantly improved, making it an ideal hub for CNG projects. He reiterated that the decision to construct five CNG plants in Kogi is purely economic, as the pipeline already provides easy access for distribution to the northern region.
However, Hon. Waive expressed concern that certain individuals, particularly Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, are attempting to claim undue credit for the project. He accused her of misleading the public by suggesting she played a key role in the initiative, when in reality, it was driven by broader economic and infrastructural considerations. He cautioned that such false narratives are designed to manipulate public opinion against Niger Delta lawmakers.
Hon. Waive urged that the politicization of this vital infrastructure project must cease. He condemned the smear campaigns against leaders who have worked diligently for the economic growth of both the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. According to him, "those spreading these falsehoods should reconsider their actions, as misinformation ultimately harms the very people they claim to represent."
Hon. Waive warned that those using Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s misleading claims to discredit Niger Delta leaders don't mean well for the region and such actions are unnecessary and should be discourage in the future.
He called on Niger Delta youths and all Nigerians to discern the truth, reject political propaganda, and support genuine developmental efforts that benefit the country.
