Niger Delta Governor Knocks Wike On 13 % Derivation Fund Projects
OpenLife Nigeria reports that reactions have continued to trail governor Nyesom Wike’s recent disclosure of the 13 percent derivation funds paid to governors in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Among the governors that have reacted, clarifying what their states received from the federal government are Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
While Obaseki clarifies that what he got from the federal government was a paltry N2.1 billion as against the N100 billion disclosed by Adams Oshiomhole, governor Douye Diri states that the money is been paid in trickles.
Governor Wike Rivers State had said President Muhammadu Buhari approved the payment of funds owed to states in the Niger Delta since 1999.
He stated this at the inauguration of the Nabo Graham Douglas campus of the Nigerian Law School in Rumueme, Port Harcourt.
Wike said the funds have significantly aided his infrastructural strides in the state, adding that the projects that were recently inaugurated have been fully paid for, and more will be completed before the end of his tenure.
According to Rivers governor, the money approved by Buhari were funds owed from the 13 percent derivation fund.
“Let me say it for the first time. So many people asked me: ‘where is he getting this money’? Let me say it. I want, through the attorney-general of the federation, to thank Mr President,” he said.
“Monies that were not paid to the Niger Delta states since 1999 — the 13 percent deductions — monies that were not paid, Mr President approved and paid all of us from the Niger Delta states.
“And for me, it would be unfair not to tell the public. It is not from FAAC money. It is the money that is supposed to be for Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Bayelsa states.
Governor Douye Diri Reacts
Reacting during a press conference, governor Douye Diri said:
“Talking about 13 percent derivation fund, part of it was released. Not all of it.
Even at that, the release was going to say the money would have been released in trickles monthly in which case it will not have any impact on the development on our various states. The only other alternative was for governors to discount the bill.
For anybody who wants to see how we use our money in Bayelsa State, our transparency briefings are there on monthly bases.
Our website is there stating every income that comes into Bayelsa and how it is being expended.
For anybody who wants to see how we use our money, the one kilometre road we build in Bayelsa is more than 3 to 4 kilometre of road that are built elsewhere. The capital project we carry out in this state extensively is more than some 3 to 4 flyovers put together in other States,” he disclosed, apparently referring to Governor Wike who has been commissioning flyovers and bridges in Rivers State.
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