$16 BN GAS CITY PROJECT: President Jonathan Mandates Uduaghan , Presidency, Petroleum Ministry Officials On New Date For Ground Breaking

President Goodluck Jonathan has mandated the Delta State Governor, Dr.
Emmanuel Uduaghan, relevant authorities in the Presidency and the Ministry
of Petroleum Resources to fix a new date for the ground breaking ceremony
of the $16 billion Delta Gas City and the Export Processing Zone project.

Dr. Jonathan gave the directive when he paid a courtesy call on the Olu of
Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, in the company of Dr. Uduaghan, during an
unscheduled visit to Delta State.

He pointed out that it would not be possible to do the ground breaking
before the elections because the investors have to be around for the
ceremony, stressing that these were companies that have to be given enough
notice.

Dr. Jonathan therefore mandated the Delta State Governor to work closely
with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Presidency to get a
suitable date before May 29, 2015 for the exercise.

President Jonathan took the opportunity of the visit to explain the
circumstances surrounding the aborted ground breaking for the Delta Gas
City project and the Export Free Zone (EPZ).

Mr. President told the Olu, in the presence of his Chiefs, that he had to
put off the ground breaking because of the fear of outbreak of violence
after the ceremony which would have frightened investors.

According to him, his action in putting off the exercise was not borne out
of fear that anything was going to happen to him, noting that as a son of
the Niger – Delta, he could move freely in the zone without molestation.

Dr. Jonathan during the visit also had a private audience with the
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo
Oritsejafor.

Governor Uduaghan on his part commended Mr President’s personal visit to
the Olu which has afforded him the opportunity to explain to the Monarch
and the Itsekiri people the issues surrounding the ground breaking
ceremony of the project.

Dr. Uduaghan also expressed appreciation to the Olu on his understanding
of Mr. President’s explanation and commitment to the project.

He appealed to groups and individuals to desist from politicizing the
ground breaking ceremony, adding “We join Mr President in our commitment
to the success of the project. “