The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the economic interests of the Urhobo people in the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed Industrial Gas Park in Sanubi-Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Dafinone, who is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, said he had never supported and would never support any move capable of depriving the Urhobo Nation of the economic benefits associated with the strategic industrial project.
In a statement issued in response to what he described as controversy and misinformation surrounding the project, the senator said his position was clear and anchored on the need to protect the collective interests of the people of Delta Central.
According to him, he became more directly involved with the project through his legislative oversight responsibilities and engagements with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
He explained that those engagements exposed some challenges surrounding the project, particularly issues relating to land acquisition, ownership disputes and concerns over the proposed location.
Dafinone stressed that the issues were genuine and should not be ignored or deliberately misrepresented, noting that efforts to address such challenges should not be interpreted as opposition to the project or an attempt to take it away from Urhobo land.
“As the Senator representing Delta Central, my duty is to engage relevant authorities and ensure that the interests of the Urhobo Nation are protected; that is what I have done and continue to do,” he stated.
The senator maintained that any decision concerning the future location of the Industrial Gas Park must be carefully considered to ensure that the project does not ultimately result in the economic opportunity being removed from Urhobo territory.
He, however, acknowledged that where legitimate technical, environmental or land-related concerns necessitate adjustments, such decisions should be reached through proper consultation and with due consideration for the economic interests of the Urhobo people.
Dafinone said he would continue to engage the NCDMB, relevant federal authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders in an effort to achieve a responsible resolution to the outstanding issues.
He described the Industrial Gas Park as a significant opportunity capable of attracting investment, creating employment and promoting industrial development in the area.
The senator cautioned against turning the matter into political propaganda or a contest over who should receive credit for the project, insisting that the primary concern should be the collective economic interest and long-term development of the Urhobo Nation.
He further dismissed claims suggesting that his engagements on the project were contrary to the interests of the Urhobo people, describing such portrayals as false and without basis.
Dafinone said his responsibility as the senator representing Delta Central remained to defend the interests of the district and pursue opportunities capable of advancing the economic future and wellbeing of its people.
He urged stakeholders to approach the issue with maturity and a commitment to finding a solution that would preserve the industrial and economic benefits of the proposed project for the people of Urhobo land…
