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Niger Delta will continue to push for increased derivation – Uduaghan

By Businessnews Staff on September 16, 2014

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, at the weekend declared that the people of the Niger Delta would remain undaunted in their quest for increased derivation from the Federation Account.

Uduaghan observed that the people of the region despite the stalemate on increased derivation at the just concluded National Conference, would continue to push for more funds.

The governor made the remarks at the weekend while receiving the Minister of Niger Delta, Dr. Steve Oru, who came on a thank-you visit to the governor.
He was accompanied by political leaders of Urhobo extraction, including the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN).

Uduaghan explained that the agitation of the Niger Delta region was not borne out of insensitivity and greed but because of the huge fund required to remedy the devastation and pollution to the environment occasioned by the activities of oil exploitation and exploration.

The governor appealed for understanding from all Nigerians in these developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region which the current 13 per cent derivation could not adequately address.

“Let me appeal to our brothers outside the Niger Delta that what we have presently is not near enough what is required to address the challenges of development we have in the region,” he said.

Uduaghan noted that although the 50 per cent the delegates to the conference were demanding was not achieved, “we shall not give up asking for more for this region.”

He appealed to politicians as well as political office holders in the state to eschew the attitude of grumbling but seek the interest of the state above personal interest.

“There are a lot of us who are always grumbling, sometimes we need to draw a line and first of all think of the system, what is in the interest of the state before our personal interest.

“There are people who will say if I don’t get it, then I must destroy it. We are even seeing them on the field again for 2015, lots of them are in the race now for 2015. So if God say’s it is not you, don’t destroy it, try

to see how you can help to build,” the governor advised.
Uduaghan who commended the delegation for coming to appreciate him for his contribution and support towards the appointment of the minister, said: “Yes I played my part, but I believe that this appointment was given to Oru by God and God should take the credit.

“God used the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to listen to the cry of the Urhobo people, to listen to the cry of Delta people and to listen to the cry of those who believe in loyalty, steadfastness and those who believe in remaining where they should be even if it has not happened. And that is why we were able to get this appointment,” he said.

The state Deputy Governor, Utuama, who led the delegation on behalf of Oru and the Urhobo nation, thanked the governor for his numerous contributions and support for the Urhobo people, noting that his detribalised disposition has enabled him to pilot the affairs of the state in the right direction.
Oru while showing his appreciation to the state governor, promised that he would contribute his quota to the development of the region and the benefit of the Niger Delta.

[This Day]

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