National Assembly
One of the most pervasive fallacies in the Nigerian narrative, is the one that imputes a lack of knowledge on the part of our policy makers as the bane of our development.
It doesn’t gel. It is hard to accept ignorance as the reason why a putatively reformist administration will locate a gas-fed power plant in the federal capital territority, when it is as aware as any of us that there ain’t no gas pipeline leading into Abuja, or planned.
Ignorance too cannot explain why we are currently planning to feed gas to the Alaoji power station (in Aba) over a 25 kilometre stretch, using 12-inch diametre pipelines. Every expert consulted on this is of the opinion that only a 24-inch pipeline can deliver gas to the power station at the requisite pressures. Recall that the contract for this pipeline was awarded outside of the public procurement process.
Ignorance, no! Cynicism? Yes!
I agree that it is not ignorance. But cynicism? Cyncism, in the dictionary, is an attitude of hopelessness which manifests in apathetic (I don’t care) actions. The instances you cited illustrate theft, corruption and looting, not cyncism–in my understanding. There is another possibility—gas stations were located in the North to appease and reassure the emirs and northern leaders–starting shortly after Y’Adua took over. Insiders know too well. And as for Jonathan, he was ready to do and offer and promise everything to secure Northern support. You see, anything is for sale when politicians want power.