By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
A sociopolitical group, Eket Peoples Union has called for the establishment of an Oil Producing Development Commission to manage the 13% oil derivation fund for the state.
The EPU said the commission became necessary following allegations by prominent Niger Delta leaders that governors in the region were diverting the fund to the detriment of oil producing communities in the area.
It could be recalled that the trio of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang and the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass in Brass Kingdom, Bayelsa state, Alfred Diette-Spiff had at various fora made such accusation.
In a statement on Monday in Uyo, the National Presidentof Eket Peoples Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak said the only way oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom could benefit from the fund was for Governor Udom Emmanuel to create such a commission.
The statement said Akwa Ibom was the most affected in the mismanagement of the 13% oil derivation fund.
”Within the week, youths of Eket Federal constituency embarked on a peaceful protest along Grace Bill Road in Eket, with series of demands, including the completion of Eket Ibeno Road, lack of good roads within the constituency, among others.
”Eket Federal Constituency produces 85% of State revenue and 41% of national Oil and Gas revenue and should attract the sympathy of the State and Federal governments in terms of quantifiable development, in equal measure.
”Aware of how protests can degenerate to unintended ends we urge restraint on all protests and wish to state as follows:
”We appeal that Governor Udom Emmanuel should as a matter of expediency and urgency, establish the Akwa Ibom State Oil Producing Development Commission (AKOPADEC), with the sole aim of channeling the mandatory 13 percent derivation funds to the Commission for rapid development of the area.” It said.
The group recalled that In 2009, the State House of Assembly passed into law a bill which was consented by former Governor Godswill Akpabio, for the payment of 15% of the 13% derivation funds to the core oil producing communities of the State.
”Though not implemented but we reject the 15% of the 13% to at least 70% of the 13%. Establishment of AKOPADEC is in line with this law.
”The Eket People’s Union (EPU) engaged previous governments on the need to establish AKOPADEC and would continue peaceful engagement with government on the needful establishment of AKOPADEC.
”The Eket People’s Union is aware of court cases in Eket, Oron and other places either for the payment of 13% derivation or the establishment of the State Oil producing communities development Commission (AKOPADEC).
”We would tow the path of peace and encourage the establishment of the Commission as a prelude to the out of court settlement of these cases in the interest of peace and development.
”EPU would continue to partner with the State and Federal Government in every way possible for the peace and development of the Federal Constituency and endorses this release as part of its collaborative efforts in this regard.” The statement concluded.
