Buhari Promises to Revisit Constitutional Provision on 13% Derivation

By Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said his administration would look into 13 per cent derivation to Niger Delta as contained in the constitution with a view to ensuring even spread of developmental projects in the region.

The president who made the promise when he received Isoko traditional rulers led by His Majesty Ovrawah, Omogha 1, Odiologbo of Oleh, at the Presidential Villa,  assured the royal fathers that the constitutional provisions for Niger Delta development would be carefully studied for inclusiveness, especially over the prioritisation of federal government projects.

“I have listened attentively to your address and I will still update myself with details of development in your area as it relates to oil and gas, and lack of infrastructure. I will look at the constitutional 13 per cent derivation and what previous governments have done, in order to know what we can do,’’ the president promised.

According to a statement by the president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari noted that Isoko kingdom had very qualified citizens who had distinguished themselves in various professional and entrepreneurial skills in the country.

Expressing surprise that the domain was not adequately captured in federal government appointments, the president was quoted as saying: “I will revisit your address and ask for clarification. I will do my best on this issue.”

The statement added that the President General of Isoko Development Union and spokesman of the traditional rulers, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, commended Buhari for “performing well’’ in leadership, urging him to consider some anomalies in the spread of development projects in the Niger Delta.

“With eight oil fields of flow stations in Isoko land, we appeal to His Excellency to direct NNPC to establish a gas plant and a modular refinery in Isoko land. It will be beneficial to the nation and it will create employment and generate revenue,’’ he was quoted to have said.

According to the statement, Amadhe said the Isoko community had been sidelined in federal government appointments since 1975 when an indigene was last appointed as a minister.

It also said Ahmadhe pointed out that the region had also been ignored in the siting of federal educational institutions, skill development centres and infrastructure, adding: “Your Excellency, no meaningful project has been sited in Isoko since the inception of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.”

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