President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration will look into the constitutional 13 per cent derivation benefit to the Niger Delta region and ensure even spread of developmental projects across the region.
President Buhari, according to a statement signed by Garba Shehu, one of the spokesperson of the president, made this promise on Friday, July 27, 2018 when he received Isoko traditional rulers and personalities in Abuja.
He assured the royal fathers that the constitutional provisions for Niger Delta development will be carefully studied for inclusiveness, especially in 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,’’ President Buhari said.
President General of the Isoko Development Union who spoke on behalf of the Isoko leaders had earlier asked President Buhari to consider some anomalies in the spread of development projects in the Niger Delta.
Amadhe claimed that the Isoko community and its indigenes had been sidelined in Federal Government appointments, with the last appointment of a minister in 1975. He noted that the region was also ignored as regards federal educational institutions, skill development centres and infrastructure.
“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 said.
President Buhari, however, said the Isoko kingdom had qualified citizens that have distinguished themselves in various professional and entrepreneurial skills in the country.
He expressed surprise that the domain was not adequately captured in Federal Government appointments and noted that, “I will revisit your address and ask for clarification. I will do my best on this issue.”
