House of Representatives member, Francis Ejiroghene Waive, has given reasons why the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plants were sited in Kogi State, explaining that it was an economic decision of the federal government to take advantage of the existing gas infrastructure in Kogi State
He denounced the misinformation being peddled that the gas plant in Kogi State, was a product of political maneuvering by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Rep. Waive said gas and gas plants fall under the Senate Committee on Gas and not the Senate Committee on Local Content, as is being misconstrued.
Rep. Waive refuted the narrative that the present administration, initiated the pipeline conveying gas from the Niger Delta to Niger Republic.
He reminded Nigerians that former President Muhammadu Buhari began the construction of the gas pipeline, and it is impossible for the current government to take credit for its establishment.
“Such large-scale infrastructure project, requires long-term planning and are beyond the tenure of a single administration,” the House member asserted.
He also pointed out that Niger Delta lawmakers in the National Assembly, never opposed the construction of the gas pipeline during Buhari’s tenure.
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“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, Rep. Waive, stressed that gas availability in the region has significantly improved, making it an ideal hub for compressed natural gas projects.
He reiterated that the decision to construct five compressed natural gas plants in Kogi State, is purely economic, as the pipeline already provides easy access for distribution to the north.
However, Rep. 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.
Rep. Waive urged that the politicization of this vital infrastructure project must cease, and 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.”
Rep. Waive warned that those using Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s misleading claims to discredit Niger Delta leaders, don’t mean well for the region, as such actions are unnecessary and should be discouraged 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.
