Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has said his position on the proposed Industrial Gas Park at Sanubi-Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, remains clear, insisting that the economic interests of the Urhobo people must be protected.
Dafinone, who is Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, said he had never supported, and would not support, any move capable of depriving Urhobo Nation of the benefits associated with the strategic investment.
The Senator stated this in a statement issued in reaction to what he described as controversy and misinformation surrounding the proposed gas park.
According to him, his knowledge of the project became more direct through legislative oversight activities and engagements with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
He explained that such engagements revealed a number of challenges surrounding the project, including land acquisition issues, ownership disputes and concerns over the proposed location.
Dafinone stressed that the issues were real and should not be ignored or politicised.
“These challenges are real. Pretending otherwise or twisting efforts to address them does not advance the interest of Urhobo Nation,” he said.
The Senator maintained that, as the representative of Delta Central in the Senate, his responsibility was to engage relevant authorities and ensure that the interests of the Urhobo people were adequately protected.
He said any decision on the future location of the project must not lead to its removal from Urhobo land.
He, however, noted that where legitimate technical, environmental or land-related concerns made adjustments necessary, such decisions must be reached through proper consultation and with due consideration for the economic interests of the Urhobo people.
Dafinone further disclosed that he would continue to engage the NCDMB, relevant federal authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders towards finding a responsible resolution to the outstanding issues.
He described the Industrial Gas Park as a major opportunity for investment, employment generation and industrial development in the area.
The Senator urged stakeholders not to reduce the matter to political propaganda or a contest over who should receive credit for the project.
He said the overriding objective should be the protection of the collective economic interests of Urhobo Nation.
“Any attempt to portray my engagement on this matter as contrary to the interest of the Urhobo people is false and without basis,” Dafinone said.
He added that his record and responsibility remained clear: to defend the interests of Delta Central and pursue opportunities capable of advancing the future and prosperity of its people.
