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DENNIS NAKU looks back as the Niger Delta perceived marginalisation and examines the report of a survey by an online newspaper, the New Diplomat, on why the 13 per cent derivation should be paid directly to the host communities and not states
In the last decade, there has been growing agitation by various groups in the Niger Delta for a better deal for the proverbial goose that lays the golden egg.
The Niger Delta region despite producing oil, the mainstay of the nation’s economy, has suffered neglect, environmental degradation such as pollution of rivers and farmlands.
The continued silence of the Federal Government to the plight of the region and the perceived marginalisation of the people gave rise to the emergence of various groups in the region, including the dreaded militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, and more recently, the Niger Delta Avengers.
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has assured that no project begun by his administration would be left uncompleted.
He, therefore, charged the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) to execute projects that would add meaningful value to the socio-economic lives of people especially in oil bearing communities in the state.
Okowa gave the charge on Thursday in Asaba while swearing-in a new member of the Commission, Mr. Bright Abeke, replacing late Joyce Overah who died this year.
He however expressed satisfaction with the interventionist efforts of DESOPADEC in host communities in the state, saying the best way to address the basic needs of the people was to carry them along in the conceptualisation of projects.
Okowa urges DESOPADEC to execute people-oriented projects
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. Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and Mr. Bright Abeke( right), subscribing to Oath of Office as a member of DESOPADEC, in Government House, Asaba. Thursday
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, charged the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) to execute projects that would add significant value to the socio-economic lives of people in oil-bearing communities in the state.
Okowa gave the charge at his office in Asaba, while swearing-in a new member of the Commission, Mr. Bright Abeke to replace the late Joyce Overah who passed on this year.