AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR COMMANDER IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE RADICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT IN HANDLING SENATE PROCEEDINGS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN REPREPENTING KOGI CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT
Introduction
The National Assembly in a democratic setting is a revered office contributing to policy formulation, and indeed, appropriation of resources for national development. It also oversight s the Executive arm in the policy implementation.
This highly respected office in both developed and developing countries needs a charismatic and well cultured, civilized person to preside over it as the head or president as the case maybe. But in Nigeria setting, meritocracy seems to be compromised for mediocrity. In a vicious circle of this nature, what the nation will see from the upper chamber’s leadership is nothing but a motor park tout-like proceedings devoid of decorum for fellow distinguished senator(s).
The Hallowed Chamber is expected to be occupied by people with impeccable characters and high sense of responsibility with accomplishments in their field of study, but in most recent times, this epitomizing value seems to be eroded by the manners in which the Hallowed Chamber is being led.
Consequently, the abysmal misdemeanour of the Senate President to Senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan was a pent-up anger arising from the foundation laying of Five LNG stations at Ajaokuta Steel Company limited which took place about two weeks ago.
The President of Senate had accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan of “carting” away Niger Delta’s resources to the northern state because of the LNG stations project in Ajaokuta.
Upon the return to Abuja from the historic foundation laying, the Senate President, Senator Apabio unilaterally removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan as the Chairman of Local Content Committee, a position which he (Senator Akpabio) thought gave Akpoti the privilege to facilitate such project for Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. She (Natasha) was moved to Diaspora Committee. As if this wasn’t enough, there was ethnic sponsored protest Senator Akpabio’s geo-political zone, calling for the cancellation of the LNG stations which the foundations were already laid.
The chairman, Urhobo Oil and Gas Community led by one Dr. Ominimini made a call on one of the national dailies advising Your Excellency to jettison the project.
The drama of (Thursday 20 , February, 2025) on the floor of the Senate was a cursory reaction to an unpleasant development between the president of the Senate and Senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan arising from resource control.
Her removal from the Local Content Committee hugely interprets the anger and the conspiracy against the LNG stations in Kogi Central Senatorial District, and indeed northern Nigeria.
It is worthy to mention here that before the discovery of oil in the South -South.
In the interest of national development, the colonial masters collapsed South-South into southern protectorate between Eastern protectorate and western protectorate using northern revenues to develop the three protectorates respectively, inclusive of the so called Oil in the Niger Delta.
Below are the revenue generation figures from the three protectorates to the Central Fund between 1939-40 to 1947-48.
For the years in reference, the northern protectorate contributed 4, 883,028, Eastern protectorate contributed 1, 052, 882 and Western protectorate contributed 842,969.
Total= 6, 762, 879
*Source:* Schedule III, Actual Provincial Revenue Contributions to the Central Fund during the colonial era without Oil exploration.
Having analysed the oneness in Nigeria spending, using northern resources before the exploration of Oil in the Niger-Delta, I wish to appeal to the sensibility of the conspirators to see Nigeria as one indivisible nation, and believe in the overall development of the country to the benefit of all.
Enough have been done for the Niger Delta as several Development Commissions including AMNESTY and 13% derivations, and indeed, several empowerment programs which were to their advantage.
The Citing of LNG at Ajaokuta is a national development, and not regional benefits as envisaged by the Urhobo community kingpin.
Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited is a national asset and a lasting heritage which can transform the nation technologically for us to arrive at our desired destination for national stability.
Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited has suffered untold conspiracy for forty (40) years of a project that was near completion. The Egbira nation, the host community will not fold her arms this time around to watch any obstacles and /or individual person working against its completion since your administration has shown much commitment towards its completion.
*Our Prayers*
1. The open letter is seeking the Your Excellency’s intervention to call the President of the Senate to order from sponsoring campaign of calumny against the establishment of LNG stations at Ajaokuta.
2. Presidential pronouncement on the no going back on the establishment of the NLG stations at Ajaokuta being national project aimed at reviving the company for nation building.
4. The
national and regional benefits are too enormous to be jettisoned.
5. The NNPCL management is called upon to ignore the call for the jettison of the NLG stations at Ajaokuta and sees the author as enemy of the Nigerian State.
It will be a national shame and embarrassment of the highest order that an individual in his delusive and tribal envy stands tall to work against the national project aimed at reviving a moribund national asset.
*Economic value chain of the NLG to the country’s growth are as follows:*
1. *Job Creation*: An NLNG station in Ajaokuta will create employment opportunities for the local population, both during the construction phase and in the long term.
2. Revenue Generation: The NLNG stations will generate revenue for the local, state and federal governments through taxes, royalties, and other fees.
3. Stimulation of Local Economy*: The presence of an NLNG station will stimulate the local economy by attracting other businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Industrial Benefits
1. Synergy with Ajaokuta Steel Company*: The NLNG stations will provide a reliable source of energy for the Ajaokuta Steel Company, enabling it to operate at optimal levels.
2. Development of Industrial Cluster*: The NLNG stations will engender the development of an industrial cluster in the region, attracting other industries that can utilize the energy and infrastructure.
3. Increased Industrial Activity: The presence of an NLNG station will increase industrial activity in the region, leading to increased production and economic growth.
Energy Benefits
1. Reliable Energy Supply: The NLNG station will provide a reliable source of energy for the region, reducing the reliance on grid electricity and diesel generators.
2. Increased Energy Security*: The NLNG station will increase energy security for the region, reducing the risk of energy shortages and disruptions.
3. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The use of natural gas as a fuel source will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Regional Benefits
1. Development of Northern Region: The establishment of an NLNG station in Ajaokuta will contribute to the development of the northern region, reducing the economic and social disparities between the north and south.
2. Increased Investment: The presence of an NLNG station will attract increased investment to the region, stimulating economic growth and development.
3. Improved Infrastructure: The NLNG station will require the development of supporting infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, which will benefit the local community.
National Benefits
1. Increased Natural Gas Utilization: The establishment of an NLNG station in Ajaokuta will increase the utilization of natural gas in Nigeria, reducing the reliance on imported fuels.
2. Improved Energy Mix: The use of natural gas as a fuel source will improve Nigeria’s energy mix, reducing the dominance of oil and increasing the share of cleaner fuels.
3. Economic Growth and Development: The NLNG station will contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development, increasing revenue, creating jobs, and stimulating industrial activity
In conclusion, I humbly appreciate Your Excellency for giving listening ears and your zeal to transform Nigeria’s economy to reflect the reality on ground. Your several administrative reforms are working wonders in reshaping Nigeria’s image in the comity of nations across the globe.
Thanks for your anticipated action and positive attention to the open letter, Your Excellency.
Nigeria shall be great again.
Hon.(Dr.) Onujagbe Nasir,
Deputy Secretary-General,
Egbira Voice Worldwide (EVww) writes from FCT, Abuja.
onujagbenasir@gmail.com.
23/02/2025
