Akwa Ibom leaders tackle FG over 13% oil derivation

A group, under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Leaders Vanguard, yesterday threatened legal action to force the Federal Government to pay the state it’s outstanding four-month 13 percent oil derivation.

According to the group, the development has affected the state government’s developmental projects.

Addressing reporters in Uyo, a former member of the Senate, Anietie Okon, said the reasons given by Federal Government for withholding the money were not acceptable.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief said since they had run out of patience with the Federal Government, they would also launch legal action against the multinational oil companies operating in Niger Delta to stop them from remitting money to the Federal government.

The group demanded payment of all arrears of derivation fund accruing to oil-producing states, including an upward review of the fund to 50 per cent.

Okon said: “For more than four months, the 13 per cent derivation has been withheld by the Federal Government and the reason for this abnormality is said to be the dwindling economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic

“We view this as total disregard for the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution; gross insensitivity and disregard for the people of oil-producing states. It is regarded as an affront to the good people of Niger Delta.”

The ex-legislator said the Federal Government must respect the region that produces oil, which is the mainstay of the economy.

“They are taking the relative peace in the zone maintained by the peace-loving elders for granted and are dancing on the keg of gun powder,’’ he said.

The group insisted on the restructuring of the country.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has promised to support agriculture in Akwa Ibom and other Niger Delta states.

Presidential Senior Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs made the promise after inspecting a fishing terminal in Ebughu, Mbo as well as road projects in Ididep, Ibiono Ibom.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari is serious about the construction of the Ididep-Ibiono road linking Ikot Andem Ididep, Ikot Antia, Ikot Edo, Itu Atai, and Oko Ita Nung Udoe.