The Senate has clarified the reasons behind the siting of five mini LNG Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, dismissing claims that the Senate Committee on Gas influenced the decision.
According to the Senate, the five mini LNG Plants in question—Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete—are private sector-driven initiatives and not Federal Government projects.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North), refuted claims that the Senate or its Committee on Gas played any role in determining the location of the five mini LNG Plants in Ajaokuta. He clarified that these ventures were not coordinated by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board nor influenced by any senator or political entity.
“It became necessary to issue this statement to set the records straight,” Jarigbe said.
His remarks were in response to public misconceptions and inquiries following allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central). During a telephone interview on a live human rights radio show, ‘Brekete Family’ on Human Rights Radio in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that she was removed as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content due to her influence in the siting of the five mini LNG Plants in Ajaokuta.
Jarigbe clarified that private investors made the decision to site the LNG plants based on economic viability, the availability of a gas pipeline, and access to gas for effective operations. He emphasized that, like himself, Natasha and other lawmakers were invited to participate in engagements regarding the projects, but their presence did not signify any undue influence over the location of the plants.
His statement read, “The misconception that the siting of these projects in Ajaokuta was done at the behest of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is completely unfounded.
“The claim that her role or involvement in the siting of the LNG plants played a part in her replacement is categorically incorrect.
“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, I have received numerous inquiries from concerned Nigerians questioning why Ajaokuta was selected as the site for these plants.
“Private investors make decisions based on the profitability and sustainability of their investments, not political affiliations or considerations.”
Jarigbe also called for decorum among lawmakers, reminding them that the immunity enjoyed by Senators applies only within the Senate Chambers.
“There is no protection or immunity outside the Chamber, and we must exercise restraint and circumspection in our speeches and actions,” he warned.
“Our behavior and words must reflect the dignity and responsibility vested in us by the people of Nigeria. The law does not provide immunity for a senator who defames anyone.
“Finally, I urge my distinguished colleagues to review and adhere to the Senate Standing Orders and to conduct ourselves in a manner that upholds the sanctity of the Senate and the high office we hold.”
