Delegates attending the ongoing national conference are divided over
the percentage to be paid to oil producing states as derivation funds
or resource control.
While some delegates insisted that the amount must be more than
the current 13 per cent, others disagreed, saying that status quo must
be maintained.
The delegates spoke while contributing to the debate on the report of
the committee on Devolution of Power, which was presented by its two
co-chairmen, Obong Victor Attach and Ibrahim Coomassie.
On resource control, the committee has recommended that “the 13 per
cent derivation as contained in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria be sustained with a proviso that a percentage of
the 13 per cent derivation to the communities from the resources are
derived. ”
On the issue of offshore and onshore dichotomy, the committee said
the matter should be left as its is.
Critically examined in the report, whose recommendations would be
subjected to vote by the Conference later, were the issues of resource
control, derivation principle, revenue sharing and the development and
exploitation of mineral resources nationwide.
The report also examined 68 items cited in the Second Schedule, Part
One of the 1999 Constitution which deals with the Exclusive
Legislative List; and 30 items contained in Part Two of the Fourth
Schedule that deals with the Concurrent Legislative List.
While most delegates from the South said derivation should be
increased from the current 13 per cent to between 21.5 and 50 per
cent, others suggested that it should be reduced further from where it
was now.
Resource control, perhaps, was the most debated aspect of the report.
Each delegate, depending on where he or she came from either wanted
considerable level of control of resources in view of the adoption of
true federalism by the Conference while others said the issue did not
arise as far as they were concerned.
Those who canvassed the view that states should control their
resources said they did so in the spirit of devolution of power, which
allows the states to only pay or make appropriate financial
contributions to the Federal Government.
Others argued that mineral resources in Nigeria were owned in law by
the Federal Government as contained in Section 44(3) of the 1999
Constitution, as amended.
Section 44(3) states that: “Not withstanding the foregoing provisions
of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals,
mineral oil and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in,
under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone
of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be
managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National
Assembly.”
In his contribution, a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye
Alamieyeseigha, said the people of the South-South and other oil
producing states, would not take anything less than 50 per cent.
He said it was insulting to compare the cultivation of groundnut with
oil exploration, insisting that the people of the oil producing areas
were suffering.
Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange said he did not believe in the sharing
of revenue by the Federal Government to states, an action he said
would make the federating units lazy.
He said that the excessive demand for states was as a result of
revenue sharing at the centre, but added that as a true Nigeria, he
would go with graduated derivation that he said would cultivate to
fiscal federalism.
Based on this, he said he would recommend “21.5 per cent derivation
(2015-2019); 25 per cent derivation between 2020-2024; 30 per cent
derivation between 2025-2029 and fiscal federalism from 2030.
“Fifteen years is enough time to develop other resources in order for
the country to practice fiscal federalism.
“I also reformed that 50 per cent of the Derivation Fund going to,oil
production states should be committed to the development of oil and
gas producing communities.
“Each oil producing state should set up an oil producing community
development fund that will manage the 50 per cent from the
Derivation Fund.”
He also expressed his support for the five per sent fund for solid
mineral development fund as recommended by the committee, but
added that two percent of the fund generated from oil and gas should
be set aside for the restoration of the debates environment of the oil
producing communities.
In his contribution, a prominent Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said
the region must get at least 25 per cent, saying that if the national
conference of 2005 could recommend 17 per cent, fairness demanded
that the amount be increased.
“All we are asking for to be part of this country is that fairness must
prevail and we want nothing less than 25 per cent. No one should
come here and say that the statuo quo should remain. Those who are
saying that are not progressives. It must not be less than 25 per
cent,” he said.
His position was supported by a former Governor of Rivers State, Dr.
Peter Odili.
In his contribution, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana,
urged the Federal Government to pay the money being owed the Niger
Delta Development Commission.
The money, he said, could be as much as N1tr.
A former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, however cautioned
those calling for the increment in derivation, saying if the request was
granted, it would lead to the collapse of many states due to paucity of
funds.
“There is need to empower every state to develop mineral resources in
their areas. If we give the Niger Delta all they require, some states
would collapse and all Nigerians would move to the Niger Delta. This
is not good for the country,” he said.
A former Governor of Kebbi State, Sen. Adamu Aliero, suggested that
those who were asking for increase in derivation should also consider
that mineral resources outside the continental shelf should be owned
by the Federal Government.
Prof. Gambo Laraba Abdullahi said it has been discovered that 76 per
cent accruing to the nation was not accounted for and “we are here
fighting over the remaining 24 per cent.”
In his contribution, Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga from Benue State said if more
money should be given to the Niger Delta there was the need to
ensure that the money was properly utilised.
He said money should be given to clean up the Niger Delta region,
saying “when you give money to the elite they misapplied it.”
SOURCE : www.punchng.com/news/confab-delegates-divided-over-resource-control/

No resource control without regionalism ,regional security and regimental army.
No one will accept a situation where bottom-feeders like fani kayode ,akala ,obanikoro are finally induced to foment trouble in odua state.
Either go back to the way it was at the beginning ,which was regional setup or forget it.
Better yet, break the damn thing.
Falana may be a good lawyer and defender of the masses but he is absolutely clueless in effective governance,
NDDC?
They should put more money in that corrupt agency?
That useless ineffective institution should be scrapped

.

What sort of a leader/elder is this Edwin Clark ? Someone from his zone demanded for 50% and he, rather than support him or ask for more, asked for 25%. Can this old man not be a mole for the north ?

SAY NO TO RESOURSE CONTROL !!!

Say NO TO 13% Derivation. !!

If some Southerners cant accept the demand of some to have 100% control over their lands, then NO TO RESOURSE CONTROL, NO TO 13% derivation !

You cant eat your cake & have it. Control your oil & revoke the licenses of Westerners & Norherners...while Westerners & Northerners control their lands & then chase you out of their lands at will. !

Its as simple as that.

StBlack1: SAY NO TO RESOURSE CONTROL !!!

Say NO TO 13% Derivation. !!

If some Southerners cant accept the demand of some to have 100% control over their lands, then NO TO RESOURSE CONTROL, NO TO 13% derivation !

You cant eat your cake & have it. Control your oil & revoke the licenses of Westerners & Norherners...while Westerners & Northerners control their lands & then chase you out of their lands at will. !

Its as simple as that.

What do you mean? At the right time, we will control our resources and there is nothing anyone of you will do about it.

StBlack1: SAY NO TO RESOURSE CONTROL !!!

Say NO TO 13% Derivation. !!

If some Southerners cant accept the demand of some to have 100% control over their lands, then NO TO RESOURSE CONTROL, NO TO 13% derivation !

You cant eat your cake & have it. Control your oil & revoke the licenses of Westerners & Norherners...while Westerners & Northerners control their lands & then chase you out of their lands at will. !

Its as simple as that.

You will hang yourself before all is said and done. Look at you killing yourself for other people's resoruce

PenSniper: What sort of a leader/elder is this Edwin Clark ? Someone from his zone demanded for 50% and he, rather than support him or ask for more, asked for 25%. Can this old man not be a mole for the north ?

Who in this conference is going to agree to 50%? Raising it to 25% is a more plausible solution. We seek solutions, not just empty talk. Clarke is very correct.

oduastates: No resource control without regionalism ,regional security and regimental army.
No one will accept a situation where bottom-feeders like fani kayode ,akala ,obanikoro are finally induced to foment trouble in odua state.
Either go back to the way it was at the beginning ,which was regional setup or forget it.
Better yet, break the damn thing.
Falana may be a good lawyer and defender of the masses but he is absolutely clueless in effective governance,
NDDC?
They should put more money in that corrupt agency?
That useless ineffective institution should be scrapped

Come scrap the NDDC, if you can. They will spend almost N500b this year, too bad it gives you hbp.

atlwireles:

Who in this conference is going to agree to 50%? Raising it to 25% is a more plausible solution. We seek solutions, not just empty talk. Clarke is very correct.

Oh but the dictum is "ask for much to get a little". This is negotiation so you dont ask for your limit but more than it then leave the rest to hard bargaining. He is very wrong. Because of his statement, if care is not taken, they may not get up to 25%.

PenSniper:

Oh but the dictum is "ask for much to get a little". This is negotiation so you dont ask for your limit but more than it then leave the rest to hard bargaining. He is very wrong. Because of his statement, if care is not taken, they may not get up to 25%.

The problem is not about asking, the problem is getting the needed 70% votes. Nobody will support 50% derivation besides, us from the Niger Delta. Don't be fooled by statement and comments made by people, till it comes time to vote. A resolution nearly passed the power devolution and resource control sub committee, where derivation would have been reduced and the offshore dichotomy reinvented. Chairman attah was smart enough to understand and saw through the poly. When it comes to oil money the SS stands alone. That scheme was not supported by northerners alone.

We might come out here with 25% or 21.5 and hopefully a time table is set for a periodic increase. The PIB bill currently sleeping at the NASS, also contains a 10% community derivation. We heading in the right direction albeit too slow. This is still a democracy, we simply don't have the votes to change things, as we may want

atlwireles:

The problem is not about asking, the problem is getting the needed 70% votes. Nobody will support 50% derivation besides, us from the Niger Delta. Don't be fooled by statement and comments made by people, till it comes time to vote. A resolution nearly passed the power devolution and resource control sub committee, where derivation would have been reduced and the offshore dichotomy reinvented. Chairman attah was smart enough to understand and see the poly. When it comes to oil money the SS stands alone. That scheme was not supported by northerners alone.

We might come out here with 25% or 21.5 and hopefully a time table is set for a period increase. The PIB bill currently sleeping at the NASS also contains a 10% oil community derivation. We heading in the right direction albeit too slow. This is still a democracy, we simply don't have the votes to change things, as we may want

Okay, time will tell. In the meantime, we bid our time.

atlwireles:

You will hang yourself before all is said and done. Look at you killing yourself for other people's resoruce

Keep living in your myopic delusions.

It doesnt take we Westerners up to nanoseconds to gang up with the Abokis if you think you will get your resourse control from our support without we getting our regionalism from your support.

Thanks Goodness the FINAL APPROVAL of all reccommendations will still be subjected to a FINAL VOTE by all delegates. Im sure you know that by now & I trust my Omoluabis at the NC, once the SS/SE dont agree to regionalism WITH THEM, all votes for resourse control/25% allocation will be cancelled at the last minute at final voting..

You can as well watch us out if you think you ll get your wishes without we getting ours COME THE FINAL MINUTES at the NC. Stay tuned.

StBlack1: SAY NO TO RESOURSE CONTROL !!!

Say NO TO 13% Derivation. !!

If some Southerners cant accept the demand of some to have 100% control over their lands, then NO TO RESOURSE CONTROL, NO TO 13% derivation !

You cant eat your cake & have it. Control your oil & revoke the licenses of Westerners & Norherners...while Westerners & Northerners control their lands & then chase you out of their lands at will. !

Its as simple as that.

If you want 100% control of the crude oil, having an independent country is your best bet, but if you have no guts to win the war that will follow that, then better be content with the 13% derivation.

StBlack1:

Keep living in your myopic delusions.

It doesnt take we Westerners up to nanoseconds to gang up with the Abokis if you think you will get your resourse control from our support without we getting our regionalism from your support.

Thanks Goodness the FINAL APPROVAL of all reccommendations will still be subjected to a FINAL VOTE by all delegates. Im sure you know that by now & I trust my Omoluabis at the NC, once the SS/SE dont agree to regionalism WITH THEM, all votes for resourse control/25% allocation will be cancelled at the last minute at final voting..

You can as well watch us out if you think you ll get your wishes without we getting ours COME THE FINAL MINUTES at the NC. Stay tuned.

I don't think SE delegates will support any deal that would lead to less revenue to our region, so the SS is completely alone in this their quest for increased revenue, as increased revenue for them translates to decreased revenue for us in SE.

pazienza:

If you want 100% control of the crude oil, having an independent country is your best bet, but if you have no guts to win the war that will follow that, then better be content with the 13% derivation.

Dont misunderstand me. Im not also in support of Resourse Control provided that Regionalism will not be agreed on.

In fact will the whole thing as is, the current 13% is a gross injustice to the populace of Nigeria. It MUST be scrapped off at the NC by FINAL VOTES.

If Westerners can think this through & see the selfishness exhibited by these SSers, they ll gang up with the North & kick out ALL reccommendations made, including scrapping off the current 13% derivation IF Regionalism cant be agrred on. !!

The West & the North has ONLY one tool & leverage: Regionalism.. Once that cant be discussed, then the South is taking them for a ride.

StBlack1:

Dont misunderstand me. Im not also in support of Resourse Control provided that Regionalism will not be agreed on.

In fact will the whole thing as is, the current 13% is a gross injustice to the populace of Nigeria. It MUST be scrapped off at the NC by FINAL VOTES.

If Westerners can think this through & see the selfishness exhibited by these SSers, they ll gang up with the North & kick out ALL reccommendations made, including scrapping off the current 13% derivation IF Regionalism cant be agrred on. !!

The West & the North has ONLY one tool & leverage: Regionalism.. Once that cant be discussed, then the South is taking them for a ride.

I keep telling you, you will hang yourself, before all is said and done. Just keep your eyes open and watch. The PIB gets passed, not if but when. That automatically adds 10% derivation directly to communities hosting oil infrastructures. Full funding of NDDC should make that agency control about N800B yearly and an increase in derivation from the current 13% to anything between 21.5-25%. You cannot stop this train, is just a matter of when not if.

PenSniper: What sort of a leader/elder is this Edwin Clark ? Someone from his zone demanded for 50% and he, rather than support him or ask for more, asked for 25%. Can this old man not be a mole for the north ?

He was bribed with a yoruba wife .... the old crock is a crook

StBlack1:

Keep living in your myopic delusions.

It doesnt take we Westerners up to nanoseconds to gang up with the Abokis if you think you will get your resourse control from our support without we getting our regionalism from your support.

Thanks Goodness the FINAL APPROVAL of all reccommendations will still be subjected to a FINAL VOTE by all delegates. Im sure you know that by now & I trust my Omoluabis at the NC, once the SS/SE dont agree to regionalism WITH THEM, all votes for resourse control/25% allocation will be cancelled at the last minute at final voting..

You can as well watch us out if you think you ll get your wishes without we getting ours COME THE FINAL MINUTES at the NC. Stay tuned.

Stay tuned, you don't have a leg to stand, you will soon find out.

atlwireles:

I keep telling you, you will hang yourself, before all is said and done. Just keep your eyes open and watch. The PIB gets passed, not if but when. That automatically adds 10% derivation directly to communities hosting oil infrastructures. Full funding of NDDC should make that agency control about N800B yearly and an increase in derivation from the current 13% to anything between 21.5-25%. You cannot stop this train, is just a matter of when not if.

You ll end up crying foul by the time you hear nothing will be passed to law from the NC. Ill gladly patronize your deal of handkercheifs.

Write this down today.

StBlack1:

You ll end up crying foul by the time you hear nothing will be passed to law from the NC. Ill gladly patronize your deal of handkercheifs.

Write this down today.

Are you even following today's news? We are currently at 18% and trending upward.

Give us regionalism
Give us 100% resource control

atlwireles:

Are you even following today's news? We are currently at 18% and trending upward.

Sebi you want 100% but now, all is down to 18?

Trust me. Final decisions will be the cracker boy.
.....and the SW gladly awaits you greedy lots come that hour. Together with the North, we ll gladly nail your hopes to the coffin when you suddenly hear news or stuffs like "NC exercise set to become a waste?" , "Disputes mars a crucial exercise" , "NC all in vain?" , etc.

You seem to think only the SS & SE votes will get you your wishes.

Ill advice you save the argument for another day & see what will be of your futile dreams of Resourse control without you supporting SW on Regionalism.

StBlack1:

Sebi you want 100% but now, all is down to 18?

Trust me. Final decisions will be the cracker boy.
.....and the SW gladly awaits you greedy lots come that hour. Together with the North, we ll gladly nail your hopes to the coffin when you suddenly hear news or stuffs like "NC exercise set to become a waste?" , "Disputes mars a crucial exercise" , "NC all in vain?" , etc.

You seem to think only the SS & SE votes will get you your wishes.

Ill advice you save the argument for another day & see what will be of your futile dreams of Resourse control without you supporting SW on Regionalism.

Keep waiting, wherever you come from, you will feed yourself cheap rat poison when all is said and done. How far did your leader Obj get in all his attempts to stop/block the implementations of the 13% derivation?. When the time came, he got on knees to beg Ibori, Attah, DSP and Lucky. How did you people react to the off/onshore dichotomy? Today it is 200 nautical miles. Once again keep waiting, we will leave you behind in your own bullshift. That's the way it's been since 1963. The SS is moving forward albeit slow.