Resource Control and Derivation

By

Samuel Uwhejevwe-Togbolo

Considering Resource Control in the plenary session of the Confab, giving to the position of the Northern delegates, it could be a plot of continued hardship on the people of the South south region without mercy. As Nigerians, we should be able to settle our differences amicably. With the present position of the Northern and South south delegates respectively, the country is yet witnessing another round of crisis if not properly managed will develop to a full blown crisis that will spell doom for the unity of the nation.

The South south delegates are holding ground base on the position of the people. They are gaining more momentum on the resource control issue with almost everybody from the region having vested interest. They like their Northern brothers and sisters are serious of driving the Resource Control saga to the end not minding the consequences that may erupt. They have zeroed their mind muscling their strength with their Northern counterpart. In the best interest of our country I will want to advice the people of the North not to flog the issue so hard to provoke the grass root people who are the major foot soldiers of the South south, they believe that the Elite are presently representing them very well, putting it to heart, having a strong conviction that they will be liberated from their present state of neglect and dejection to glorious paradise with an increase in derivation. According to them no going back on 25 per cent increase with annual upward review of 5per cent increase until it gets to the benchmark of 50 per cent. In their words “ It is either we fight to win or fight no more” it is our birthright and we most claim it by force no one not even the North can stop the move.

The people of the North should give the media less space on the Resource Control issue; their claim and counter claim against the people of the South south is not proper. Their position on the matter is so glaring before the Nation Political Reform Conference as Anti-Resource Control field marshals. Base on this ground the South south being minority have already given themselves a standard to maintain, even if the North are not shifting ground on the issue, owing to this, the National Political Reform Conference may not continue on the proposed resumption date. With the recent publication on the position of the ACF in Vanguard Newspaper Saturday July 2nd 2005,

“Resource Control debate has taken another turn with the new position of the Arewa Consultative Forum. Last Tuesday, the ACF took a critical look at the position of the conference and warned the delegates to withdraw their support for an increase in the Derivation Fund from 13 per cent of the oil revenue to 17. The ACF, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Hayatu, said the South South had no basis to demand such an increase.

According to the scribe of the influential group of Northern elders, the demand for 50 per cent of the oil revenue by the South- South amounted to blackmail, which must be resisted by Nigerians. He described the proposed 17 per cent as unwarranted generosity that is unjustified. It is a demand that must be rejected.”

At a time where we are suppose to look for a way forward Arewa Consultative Forum the umbrella body of the North is making the issue more contestable, the North has no basis of dragging the country to a deadlock, their position on principle of derivation is only wickedness which must be resisted by all; this is an inhuman act, a Nigerians factor only associated with Nigerians to destroy their fellow compatriots at their own mercy. It is on record that the North recognizes the fact that the South south region is suffering as a result of oil exploration and exploitation. The people are been exploited not only in the area of Oil but also in the area of infrastructural development. "We deeply sympathise with our brothers and sisters in the Delta region... As such, we believe all revenue derived from on shore oil activities must be subject to the principle of derivation”.

I read an article where a Northerner was complaining of the dilapidated nature of the schools in their area; I put it to him that the South south region suffers more agony in this area. The North is the region benefiting from all Nigerian projects as it involves development other region are still behind trying to meet up with the developmental strata of the Northern part of Nigeria be it Education, Social and Economic empowerment.

If the Confab do not continue sitting the blame should be on the Northerners who are bent on drawing the country backward, their argument is not as constructive as it is suppose to be, in as much as they have points to make to the wealth of a state to another “super states and super weak states” their position should be devoid of bias and hatred. Nigeria is a blessed country with all the region having a mineral deposit or the order, why not exploit the Solid Minerals they are blessed with in their region rather than lay claim to oil alone as if it is the only mineral deposit in the country. The Northerners were calling for the establishment of a Desert Encroachment Prevention Commission, Solid Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission and a Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission, which would all, benefit the North; as in the case of Niger Delta Development Commission the shadow of UMPADEC. These are good areas where they can reliable tap from the wealth of the nation; they should not jeopardize the future of a region due to sectional interest. In the spirit of give and take, the North is expected to respect the opinion of stakeholders from South east to South west. They are concern about the well being of the people in the South south region putting behind them their pride and self esteem. I will say the people of the South east and South west are patriotic Nigerians. According to NUJ President Smart Adeyemi in his words,

“A lot has been said at this conference on the percentage of derivation to oil producing states. I want to submit that members of this honourable gathering should appreciate that this is a federal system of government; we are not doing the oil producing states any favour if we approve 50% derivation. In an ideal federal system of government federating states should contribute certain percentage to the centre.

The ecological problem and the degradation as a result of oil exploration justify the need for a minimum of 50% derivation to those states in the Niger-Delta, which should be applicable to other resources in states where they are derived.

The 13% derivation as it is presently entrenched in the constitution negates the tenets of a federal system of government. Let us correct the problems created by the military government. The 1960 Constitution should guide us on the issue of derivation.

I want to believe that while the Niger Delta and other oil producing states should be their brothers’ keepers, they should not do this at the expense of their own survival. To whom much is given, much is actually expected; I believe that the percentage for derivation should be reviewed upward to give a minimum of 50% to those states.

This percentage should be applicable to all states where the nation benefits from mineral exploration induding solid minerals and states where hydro power generation stations are sited, should equally be eligible for 50% derivation, such states as Kogi, Kwara and Niger”.

Base on principle of derivation owing to the fact the level of damage caused to the oil producing states; no amount of derivation can substitute for the pains and agony inflicted on the people. The 50per cent derivation is considerate due to the fact that other region is being considered to share from the oil proceeds. The North has no locus standing to dictate the amount of derivation the South south need to get from their God given resource in their area. It is a high level of arrogance subject to regional politics that may divide the country if not properly handled with care. The dicey nature associated with Derivation (Resource Control) if exploded will be worst than Israelis and Palestinian war. We should be guided with the principle of fair play, equity and justice.

The National Political Reform Conference is liking to a Muster seed which grows to be a mighty tree where the birds, human beings flee to for food and shelter; Confab is the breathe, hope and strength of the people. If the country must move forward the sectional nation and self-agendas should be discarded, the Unity of all should be upper-most in our minds; the sovereign nature of a country should sing a new song in our hearts only then will can move forward as one and united Nigeria.

Movement for Youth Actualization International (MYAI) a Non governmental organization (NGO) in Nigeria.

mfyai@yahoo.com