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Tag: Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive

  • Delta Rep applauds Tinubu, Oborevwori over development strides

    Delta Rep applauds Tinubu, Oborevwori over development strides

    A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their significant contributions to infrastructure and healthcare development in the state.

    Speaking on the floor of the House during plenary, Hon. Waive, who represents Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency of Delta State, rose under personal explanation to acknowledge the signing into law of his bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area.

    “Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the millions of people in my constituency to thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for graciously signing into law the bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Ovwian,” he said.

    He further commended the President for appointing one of their own, Professor Kingsley Akaba, a renowned professor of Haematology at the University of Calabar, as the pioneer Chief Medical Director of the newly created medical centre.

    “My people are overjoyed. We say thank you, Mr. President, for this great honour,” Waive added.

    In the same breath, he lauded the ongoing reconstruction of the Asaba–Benin dual carriageway, describing it as a much-needed intervention that will ease transportation and boost economic activities across Delta and neighbouring states.

    The lawmaker also praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his aggressive road and bridge construction projects across the state.

    Read Also: Our vision for FCT, by Tinubu

    He particularly cited the Asaba–Ughelli Road project, noting that over 150 km of the stretch had already been completed to high standards.

    “That road is now one of the best in the country. Governor Oborevwori is truly working. He is building roads and bridges across the Delta. We are not left behind,” he declared.

    Hon. Waive used the opportunity to endorse both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for second terms, citing their impactful leadership and delivery of democratic dividends.

    “I am proud to serve this nation, and I am indeed grateful to be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I thank Mr. Speaker for this opportunity,” he added

  • CNG Project in Kogi not Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts, says Waive

    CNG Project in Kogi not Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts, says Waive

    Fresh facts are emerging following the controversy over the attribution of NNPCL and the Presidential Gas Initiative’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects in Kogi State to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who allegedly claimed credit for influencing the project.

    Social media has been flooded with posts, particularly from supporters of a former Deputy President of the Senate, criticising Delta’s three APC senators for failing to counter Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged diversion of projects meant for Delta State to Kogi State. 

    Some commentators see these as a calculated media attack by the former DSP’s team to undermine the APC senators.

    However, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, Member of the House of Representatives for Ughelli North, South, and Udu federal constituency, clarified denounced misinformation over the project and emphasised that the gas plant in Kogi is not a political manoeuvre of any senator but an economic decision facilitated by existing gas infrastructure.

    According to him, gas projects fall under the Committee on Gas, not the Local Content Committee, as some claim. 

    He also refuted the notion that the present administration initiated the pipeline transporting gas from the Niger Delta to Niger Republic, reminding Nigerians that former President Muhammadu Buhari started the project. “Such large-scale infrastructure projects require long-term planning and are beyond the tenure of a single administration,” he stated.

    Read Also: NCDMB, Starzs Gas: CNG key to driving industrial growth

    Hon. Waive pointed out that Niger Delta lawmakers in the 9th Assembly never opposed the pipeline construction during Buhari’s tenure. 

    “If this project were truly questionable, why did Niger Delta representatives remain silent then?” He asserted that controversy only arose when political actors sought to exploit it for their gain.

    He reiterated that the decision to construct five CNG plants in Kogi is purely economic, as the pipeline already provides easy access for distribution to the northern region.

     However, he expressed concern that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is attempting to claim credit for the project, misleading the public about her role. He warned that such narratives aim to manipulate public opinion against Niger Delta lawmakers.

    Hon. Waive called for an end to the politicisation of this vital infrastructure project and condemned smear campaigns against leaders working for Nigeria’s economic growth. 

    “Those spreading these falsehoods should reconsider their actions, as misinformation ultimately harms the very people they claim to represent,” he added. 

    A Delta APC chieftain, speaking anonymously, criticised the former DSP’s media team for attempting to tarnish the image of APC lawmakers over political differences. 

    “After reading Hon. Waive’s well-articulated position, one wonders what the former DSP’s media team aims to achieve by spinning false narratives about the Kogi gas project despite knowing the truth; I think Delta APC and its leadership should move past this ugly past,” he added.

    On October 18, 2024, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) and A4E Energy signed an agreement to construct a 100 mmscf/d natural gas distribution facility in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. 

    According to NNPCL’s official website, the gas facility (city-gate) will supply natural gas to various domestic LNG facilities, CNG compression sites, and other gas-dependent facilities in Ajaokuta.

    These projects align with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas and Presidential CNG initiatives to drive Nigeria’s industrialization and transportation sector. On January 31, 2025, NNPCL also commenced the construction of five mini Liquefied Natural Gas plants in Ajaokuta as part of its commitment to the country’s gas revolution.

    The initiative aims to expand domestic gas utilization, boost energy access, support industrialization, and create jobs. NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari emphasized that Ajaokuta was chosen for its strategic location, as the company’s pipeline network already reaches the area.

    Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority highlighted Ajaokuta’s emergence as a hub for gas infrastructure projects, including CNG compression and refuelling stations, enabled by government policies such as the Decade of Gas, the Presidential CNG Initiative, and executive directives.