The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State has tackled Governor Godwin Obaseki over the 13 percent derivation funds accruable to the state, noting that he must account for the billions of naira.
APC’s reaction follows the revelation by Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike that it was the 13 percent fund released by President Muhammadu Buhari he used in building the projects across the State.
Wike had challenged state governors in the region to show what they have done with the 13 percent derivation funds received from the federal government.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the Chairman of the state APC, Col. David Imuse (retd.) accused Obaseki of embarking on white elephant projects.
Imuse called on Obaseki to tell the Edo people what he did with the state’s share of the money.
He said, “Today, we invited you because the governor has committed more atrocities, thrown caution to the wind, like a bull in the heat. As you are aware, since Nigeria’s Fourth Republic began in 1999, Edo state and other oil and gas producing states that make up the Niger Delta are entitled to the 13% derivation fund sanctioned by the 1999 constitution, as amended.
“In actual fact, Section 162, Sub-section 2 of the Constitution stipulates that the 13% derivation funds is for the exclusive use of oil/gas producing communities as compensation for loss of fishing rights and productive farmlands as a result of oil and gas exploration and production activities in the beneficiary states.”
Speaking further, the APC chairman said, “We call on Governor Obaseki to tell Edo people the total amount the state government received as 13 percent derivation fund arrears dating back to 1999.
“We also like to see the development projects in the oil and gas producing communities of Edo State which he dedicated the arrears of the 13 percent derivation funds for if any. We want a full list, of the amounts involved, and the contractors who did the jobs.
“The governor should also explain why he has deliberately refused to specify amounts received as 13 percent derivation fund in his 2023 budget estimates.”
Imuse also condemned the state government’s plan to issue residency identity cards, stating that citizenship was granted to all Nigerians by birth or naturalisation.
He advised the Governor to key into the National Identification Number scheme by urging residents to register and liaise with the government to get the data of all Edo residents.
