An Urhobo advocacy voice, Urhobo Waadooo, has called on Urhobo people to put the economic interests and development of Urhobo land above partisan politics in the ongoing debate over the proposed Gas Industrial Park in Salubi.
In a strongly worded statement, the group expressed concern over what it described as growing opposition among some Urhobo people to the location of the proposed gas project, alleging that political differences were influencing the debate.
The group particularly questioned whether opposition to the project was connected to the political affiliation of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and his association with the Orogun axis.
“Most of you Urhobos are not after the well-being of Urhobo Land; you people are just after your pocket,” the statement said, urging stakeholders to consider the long-term economic benefits of the project rather than political interests.
According to Urhobo Waadooo, the proposed Gas Industrial Park, if realised, could stimulate economic activities beyond its immediate location and potentially attract other businesses and investments to the Eku-Abraka axis.
The group argued that major industrial projects often generate wider economic opportunities around their host communities, including employment, infrastructure development and the establishment of supporting businesses.
It also challenged arguments based on the location of natural resources, citing the establishment of a refinery in Kaduna State, despite Kaduna not being an oil-producing state, as an example of how industrial projects can be located outside areas where the raw material originates.
The statement further referenced the controversy that reportedly surrounded the establishment of the Orogun Polytechnic, saying that some people initially criticised the institution but later benefited from it through employment and educational opportunities for members of their families.
“That’s how you people badmouthed the Orogun Polytechnic and called it a block industry, but today, most of you who talked bad about the Polytechnic are either working there or your children, brothers or sisters are schooling there,” the group stated.
Urhobo Waadooo warned that pushing for the relocation of the Gas Industrial Park outside Urhobo land could ultimately result in the entire project being taken to another part of the country.
The group maintained that the debate should not be reduced to a contest over political personalities, arguing that Urhobo interests should remain the primary consideration irrespective of political party affiliation.
“If you people want to join others to fight for relocation because you hate Omo-Agege or you are fighting for your pocket, then the project will be taken to another place outside Urhobo Land,” the statement warned.
The group also appealed to Urhobo stakeholders to approach the issue with caution, stressing that disagreements over the project should not lead to the loss of potential investments and economic opportunities for the region.
“Urhobo first should be your interest,” the group declared, calling on the people to avoid allowing political differences to determine their position on development projects.
It concluded with a call for unity and caution, urging Urhobo people not to, in its words, “destroy Urhobo Land because of politics.”
