Dafinone pledges to protect Urhobo interests in Delta gas park

The lawmaker representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator 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.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dafinone made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.

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.”

He noted that the statement was a response to what he described as controversy and misinformation surrounding the project.

The lawmaker noted that his position was “clear and anchored on the need to protect the collective interests of the people of the senatorial district.

He explained that he became more directly involved with the project through his legislative oversight responsibilities and engagements with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

“Those engagements exposed some challenges surrounding the project, particularly issues relating to land acquisition, ownership disputes and concerns over the proposed location,” he said.

While emphasising that the issues were genuine and should not be ignored or deliberately misrepresented, Dafinone stated 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 the relevant authorities and ensure that the interests of the Urhobo nation are protected. That is what I have done, and continue to do.”

He 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 further stated that he would continue to engage the NCDMB, relevant federal authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders 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 lawmaker 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 urged stakeholders to approach the issue with maturity and a commitment to finding a lasting solution that would preserve the industrial and economic benefits of the proposed project for the people of Urhobo land.