Kogi CNG Project: Delta Rep Debunks Claims Of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Lone Efforts
Amid the ongoing controversy over the attribution of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, has set the record straight, clarifying that the projects were not the result of any political maneuver by the Kogi Central Senator, but an economic decision.
Social media has been awash with posts, particularly from supporters of former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omoge-Agege, who have criticized the three APC Senators from Delta State for not opposing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged claim of sole responsibility for the siting of the gas projects in Kogi. Some view the attacks as an orchestrated effort by Omoge-Agege’s camp to undermine the Delta APC Senators.
Hon. Waive, who represents Ughelli North, South, and Udu federal constituency in the House of Representatives, refuted the misinformation surrounding the CNG projects. He emphasized that the gas plants in Kogi were not part of any political strategy but rather an economic decision based on existing gas infrastructure. According to Waive, gas-related projects fall under the Committee on Gas, not the Local Content Committee, as some have inaccurately claimed.
Furthermore, Waive addressed the issue surrounding the pipeline transporting gas from the Niger Delta to the Niger Republic, clarifying that it was initiated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and was not a project solely tied to the current government. He questioned why Niger Delta lawmakers did not oppose the pipeline construction during Buhari’s tenure if it was truly problematic. Waive suggested that the controversy over the gas project only emerged when political figures tried to exploit the situation for personal gain.
Regarding the five CNG plants to be established in Kogi State, Waive clarified that the decision was driven by the region’s easy access to gas infrastructure, not by any political favors. He expressed concern that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was attempting to claim undue credit for the project, misleading the public about her role.
The Delta lawmaker called for an end to the politicization of vital infrastructure projects, urging that the spread of false narratives would only harm the public and the nation’s collective progress. He cautioned those spreading misinformation, urging them to reconsider their actions as they ultimately hurt the very people they claim to represent.
