Jarigbe Jarigbe, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, has dismissed claims that the Senate influenced the siting of five mini LNG plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
In a statement personally signed and released in Abuja on Sunday, the Cross River North senator clarified that the projects—Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete—are private-sector-driven initiatives, not Federal Government projects.
His statement comes in response to allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi Central Senator during a telephone interview on Brekete Family, a live human rights radio show in Abuja.
Akpoti in the interview stated that her removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content was linked to her role in influencing the siting of the LNG plants in Ajaokuta.
Read also: Unstable power supply making gas plant attractive for manufacturing – Daily-Need boss
Describing the claims as baseless, Jarigbe emphasized that the projects were neither driven nor coordinated by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and were not influenced by any senator or political entity.
He explained that the decision to locate the plants was made solely by private investors based on economic viability, access to gas pipelines, and other logistical considerations.
He said, “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,” he added.
Jarigbe further noted that, like himself, Akpoti and other National Assembly members were only invited to engagements concerning the projects, but their presence did not equate to influence over their siting.
He also urged his colleagues to exercise caution in their public statements, reminding them that parliamentary immunity applies only within the Senate chambers.
He said, “There is no protection or immunity outside the Chamber, and we must exercise restraint and circumspection in our speeches and actions.
“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.”
Read also: Tanzania’s new $344M natural gas plant holds lessons for Nigeria
“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, ” Jarigbe stated.
English (US) ·