Still on That Ministry of Niger Delta

Still on That Ministry of Niger Delta

Prince Nwaokugha Ikeokwu

The euphoria of great expectations of the Niger Delta Summit had come and gone, but its memoir had not been forgotten especially as it was marred by controversy over its leadership. It was widely speculated that the appointment of Prof. Gambari as the Chairman of the steering Committee never represents the interest of the people of the region. This metamorphosed into setting up a 45-man Technical Committee led by Ledum Mitee to collate all the reports and filter a workable sketch for the region..

Initiation of action plans by the Federal Government to reduce the tension in the oil rich region is as old as the problem itself, the first was the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Board [NDDB] in 1961, as a result of the recommendation made by Willinks Commission of 1958; 1% allocation under the derivation principle by the president Shehu Shagari administration; Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission [OMPADEC] in 1992 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangidia’s regime; 13% allocation under the derivation principle by the late Gen Sani Abacha’s regime; and presently the Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC] established in 2000 by President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

Despite these efforts, the rate of environmental degradation continues, grievances intensify, poverty and infrastructural decay are on the increase, hostility, violence and criminality have assumed alarming proportions as the region has become volatile for any meaningful business due to over prolonged neglect. Several reasons have been identified to have hampered efficiency of the programmes in the past. These among others are lack of funds, corruption and appointments of persons who do not have a competent grasp of the issue at stake.

It is apparent that different groups in the Niger Delta have recently sprout-up agitating for a fair treatment, but in different dimensions. To genuine ones, it is time to attract government presence for a rapid development, while the criminal-minded ones see it as a lucrative business, thereby sabotaging the efforts of the genuine agitators like late Isaac Boro, Ken Saro Wiwa and other who laid their lives in the struggle for liberation.

The recent creation of the Niger Delta ministry by President Yar’Adua is flooded with mix reactions. To elder statesmen and other stake holders it is a welcome development, while MEND on the other hand, described the action as “putting plaster on a wound”. Could this be true? The brain behind creating a separate ministry is to show government’s readiness to bring lasting solution to the problems of the region by ensuring rapid development.

In as much as the onus of trust lies on the leadership, it will be permissible to posit that the actions of the militants can not be condemned in its entirety since it is not out of place to talk of cooperate social responsibility, especially if it is devoid of criminal tendencies or ulterior motives.

It will be relevant at this point to re-examine the genuineness of our leaders who are under oath to improve our situation. Let us acknowledge the fact that the present derivation formula favours the oil producing states, but we should be rational in comparing the amount of monies that have accrued to each of the oil producing states in the past 8 years with developmental achievements, both capital and human.

According to the Analysis of Net Statutory Allocation to States [1999-2007], from The Economic Confidential Magazine, an online Journal, Rivers State received the highest allocation of N517 billion naira, followed by Delta N463 billion, Bayelsa N414 billion, Akwa Ibom N384 billion, Ondo N183 billion, Edo N119 Billion , Cross River N115 billion respectively. It is absolutely not bad for a child to ask for more or better still a larger percentage of his resources, especially when the explorations of such resources result to the degradation of his environment. But this can only be justified if and only if the little he received had been judiciously used.

Lets not be myopic or too sentimental about this, in as much as achieving a lasting peace in the Niger Delta remains one of the greatest challenges of the nation, not only the FG as alleged, but also the States as well as the local governments, [to a large extent], is responsible for the ordeals of the people of the region, as the privileged few entrusted to serve have not been honest with developmental programmes that will transform the areas for better. It is high time we started looking inward by vigorously demanding for proper accountability from the custodians of funds meant for the development of the bothered region.

The creation of this ministry is among the policy trust of the present administration to ensure direct presence of the FG to the region as stated in the 7 point agenda. It will be very important to give peace a chance by lying down our arms to facilitate government’s efforts to achieving a lasting peace in the region.

To avoid the repeat of the old drama, the Federal government should appoint well experienced individuals who are conversant with the challenges facing the region to man the ministry; funds should be appropriated and released without delay to facilitate development actions; effective monitoring system must be put in place to ensure transparency, accountability and judicious management of resources to justify the reason for its existence.

Accordingly, for the ministry to achieve maximum goals there must be sincerity of purpose in the coordination of its affairs, with the objective of accepting constructive criticisms and above all ensure that it is accessible at all times to the people of the region irrespective of status.

Prince Nwaokugha Ikeokwu.

National Press Centre,

Abuja .