ABUJA—As the controversy over the ownership of some wells between Rivers and Bayelsa States, continues unabated, seven states have been ordered by the Federal Government to refund N17.5 billion to Rivers State.

The amount, it was learnt, represents the sum the affected states, namely Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Imo, Edo, Abia and Ondo had received as part of their 13 percent derivation revenue from two oil wells, which the Rivers State Government had successfully proved belong to it.

The Federal Government ordered the refund to Rivers State, following a protest by the state that its revenue from the affected oil wells located in respect of Nda and Okwori oil fields with effect from 2007 had been shared to oil producing states by the Federal Government.

In response to the directive, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, wrote the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr.J.O Otunla on January 17, 2012, to effect the reduction of the money from the allocations of the seven states with immediate effect.

The letter reads: “I write to inform you that the Rivers State Government in a letter Ref. No. COM/FIN/T/01 of October 3,2011 requested for the payment of all the 13 per cent derivation revenue due to the state from Nda and Okwori oil fields from 2007 till date.

“The commission examined the request and confirmed that Okwori and Nda oil fields belong to Rivers State based on thereport of the Inter-Agency Committee on the attribution of offshore oilfields to Littoral states, 2008 and submissions by National Boundary Commission, NBC and Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, OSGF.

“Furthermore, the 13 per cent derivation proceed from the two oil fields were shared amongst all the oil producing states from April 2009 to June 2010, while Akwa Ibom State exclusively enjoyed the proceed from Okwori oil field from July to August, 2010 and from July 2010 to January 2011 in the case of Nda oil field.

“It is to be noted that the Rivers State Government had since September 2010 and February 2011 been receiving its due share of 13 per cent derivation proceed from Okwori and Nda fields respectively.

“Consequently, the commission after considering the request from the Rivers State Government and the submission from both the NBC and OSGF, approved that Rivers State should be refunded the sum of ₦17.566bn by all the oil producing states being accrued 13 per cent derivation fund from April 2009 to January 2011.

“The amount to be refunded by each state is as follows: Abia, N226.25million; Akwa Ibom, N9. 567bn; Bayelsa, N2.071bn; Delta, N4.142bn; Edo, N305.69million; Imo, N260.73million; Ondo, N952.54million.”

The letter was by Chairman of RMAFC, Eng. Elias Mbam.
On the strength of the letter, a group in Rivers State, known as Rivers Truth Option, has asked the governor of the state to address the people of the state on the true position of the oil wells and revenue accruing from same.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/11/oil-wells-seven-states-to-refund-n17-5-billion-to-rivers/

Another private jet will be bought with that money.

Rotimi Amechi is gathering more money for his 2015 vice presidency campaign

They no born them well. Abia will not refund any money, the money have since be shared

Another loot for the looters.

Even when some of the governments of those affected states that got this 13% derivatives has left office, now the current administration had to pay back, Nigeria!!! we still need some structure in govt.

Okija_juju: IN OTHER NEWS: Imo State declares Bankruptcy...

plz provide link

Okija_juju: IN OTHER NEWS: Imo State declares Bankruptcy...

Never. Abi na ur prayer

NBC bosses and OSGF, I see your handwork. More ghana-must-go for you guys

Okija_juju: IN OTHER NEWS: Imo State declares Bankruptcy...

Bros, I just hope you won't start crying and writing epistles with your multiple IDs when you get rightfully disqualified next year by PointB.

Shebi you dey see why you no dey ever make am among NdiIgbo.

Just giving you the heads up

This constant dispute is not productive in any way.

Na today?

This is why Niger deltans that think lagos was living on oil money and no state can outstand lagos. You people need to use your oil money to feed your region.

victorD3: Rotimi Amechi is gathering more money for his 2015 vice presidency campaign

Vice presidents need not capaign

XFive: They no born them well. Abia will not refund any money, the money have since be shared

Correct you know the State well.where u see money.

bobosydney: This is why Niger deltans that think lagos was living on oil money and no state can outstand lagos. You people need to use your oil money to feed your region.

Which part of Nigeria can boldly say they've not benefitted from Niger Delta?
We are now foolish abi?

Be careful!!

emyibe:
Correct you know the State well.where u see money.

It will be deducted from d affected states allocation

k2039: Another private jet will be bought with that money.

private jet and drones no reign again, na space shuttle or that type wey Dr who dey use "TELEPORT BOOT"

bobosydney: This is why Niger deltans that think lagos was living on oil money and no state can outstand lagos. You people need to use your oil money to feed your region.

How do you feel insulting millions of people you don't know? Judging by your comments, you are not even half smart as some of them are, and mind you, Lagos benefited and still benefits from that oil money, so you might want to slow down a bit on the bragging.

@topic, the money will definitely not be used to better the lives of the citizens of River State. So this can only mean good news for Amechi and his cohorts.

and

DeCleff:
It will be deducted from d affected states allocation

yeah! I think so!