President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated that he would reconsider the constitutional 13 percent derivation enjoyed by the oil-bearing state to, according to him, see what previous governments had done about it.
He spoke when he received Isoko Traditional Rulers and personalities led by His Majesty Ovrawah Omogha 1, Odiologbo of Oleh, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.
The president also said he would look into the issue of infrastructural development in the Niger Delta.
He said: “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 added: “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.”
Earlier in his address, His Royal Majesty Omogha urged the president to direct the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr, lbe Kachikwu to call on the Management of NNPC and SPDC to immediately commence production in the Isoko Section of OML 28- Uzere East to increase revenue to government and Development of the Area.
He also wanted the president to direct NNPC to establish a gas plant and a modular Refinery in Isoko Land as “it will be beneficial to the nation and it will equally create employment, generate income and better the lives of the citizenry.”
Similarly, he appealed that government should direct the oil companies operating in Isoko Land namely; NPDC, Heritage, SPDC and AGIP to create an enabling environment for investors to convert the gas flare to electricity and for the existence of a modular refinery.
He alleged that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has forgotten about the Isoko Nation in its allocation of projects, saying: “To date, no meaningful project has been cited in Isoko since the inception of this Ministry. The Isoko Nation has been grossly marginalized in an allocation of projects by this Ministry.
“It will gladden our hearts sir, if you may graciously direct the Ministry to remember Isoko in its activities including projects, skill acquisitions centres and other related programmes.
“The management of NDDC should also be directed to execute projects advertised for award and completion since March 2 and give special attention to Isoko Ethnic Nationality because of our peaceful nature.
“In addition, our Isoko Riverine Communities in Sagbama Local government Bayelsa State should be given special attention in the area of land reclamation.”
The leader of the delegation noted that the total exclusion of Isoko youth in the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme
“Your Excellency, the total exclusion of our entire Youths from the Amnesty you to graciously direct the Amnesty Office to include our youths in the total exclusion may send a wrong signal that to be peaceful is a crime,” the royal father declared.
