The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has said the Niger Delta would continue to push for an increase in derivation from the Federation Account.
Uduaghan said the people of the region despite the stalemate on increased derivation at the just concluded National Conference, would not cease to agitate for better treatment.
Speaking while receiving the Minister for Niger Delta, Dr. Steve Oru, who came on a thank you visit, Uduaghan said the battle for higher derivation allocation was not over yet.
Oru was accompanied on the visit by political leaders of Urhobo extraction, including the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN).
Uduaghan explained that the agitation of the Niger Delta region was not borne out of insensitivity and greed, but because of the huge fund required to remedy the devastation and pollution to the environment occasioned by the activities of oil exploitation and exploration.
The governor appealed for understanding from all Nigerians to these developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region, which the current 13 per cent derivation could not adequately address.
He said: “Let me appeal to our brothers outside the Niger Delta that what we have presently is not near enough what is required to address the challenges of development we have in the region.”
Governor Uduaghan said the 50 per cent the delegates to the conference demanded was not achieved because of the stalemate, adding: “We shall not give up asking for more for this region.”
He appealed to politicians as well as political office holders in the state to eschew the attitude of grumbling, but to seek the interest of the state above personal interest.
He said: “There are a lot of us who are always grumbling.
“Sometimes we need to draw a line and first of all think of the system.
“What is in the interest of the state before our personal interest?
“There are people who will say if I don’t get it, then I must destroy it.
“We are even seeing them on the field again for 2015.
“Lots of them are in the race now for 2015.
“So if God says it is not you, don’t destroy it.
“Try to see how you can help to build.”
Governor Uduaghan, who commended the delegation for coming to appreciate him for his contribution and support towards the appointment of Oru, added: “Yes, I played my part, but I believe that this appointment was given to Dr. Oru by God and God should take the credit.
“God used the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to listen to the cry of the Urhobo people, to listen to the cry of Delta people and to listen to the cry of those who believe in loyalty, steadfastness and those who believe in remaining where they should be even if it has not happened.
“And that is why we were able to get this appointment.”
Utuama, who led the delegation on behalf of Oru and the Urhobo nation, thanked Uduaghan for his numerous contributions and support for the Urhobo people.
He said his detribalized disposition has enabled him to pilot the affairs of the state in the right direction.
Oru, while showing his appreciation to Uduaghan, assured him that he will contribute his quota to the development of the region and the benefit of the Niger Delta.
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