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Before The Confab Resumes …A Case For Improved Derivation
When the National Conference resumes plenary early next month, after a forced recess, it would still be faced with one of the most thorny issues that informed a dialogue of the kind. It will discuss, and if possible, fashion a final recommendation on the report of its Committee on Devolution of Power.
Under this are issues such as resource control, derivation principle, revenue sharing formula and the development and exploitation of mineral resources nationwide. Let’s not forget, conference had favoured fiscal federalism with states as federating units.
This means all issues must be tailored towards actualizing true federalism in its proper sense; quasi-independence of federating units, resource development and control, and internal security, among all others.
However, the evolution of states in Nigeria and their dependence on hand-outs from the central government must first be put in context, if we are to appreciate the real and apparent road-blocks to actualising fiscal federalism.
From independence when Nigeria had the Northern, Western and Eastern regions, to post-civil war’s 12 states, the country today has 36 states, created not based on economic viability but mainly frivolous yardsticks that tilt towards total dependence on oil and gas produced exclusively in the Niger Delta region.
Among the yardsticks are landmass, population, political integration and essentially reward, for political and military tin-gods. This is without consideration of the challenges in years after oil and gas.
Ironically, every state in the federation has the potential to identify, develop and control its own resources, be it mineral or agriculture. Before the discovery of oil in commercial quantities more than 50 years ago in Oloibiri, each of the regions developed their resources and enjoyed between 50 and 100 per cent control.
Even today, there are states of the federation that are rich in gold deposits and other solid minerals, which if developed, could check the total dependence on oil. These are reluctant to do so, content with the monthly allocations they get from the central government, which enjoys near total control of all mineral resources.
Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended states: Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oil and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”.
This is against the dictates of true Federalism. It was however, fashioned to draw resources that would feed states who contribute little or nothing to the allocation table. Another road-block is the Land Use Act which vests all lands in the control of government.
Therefore, all the debates and horse-trading that characterised the last days of the conference are tilted in favour of a status quo that compensates indolence, laziness and greed, instead of long-suffering, productivity, environmental degradation and infrastructural deficit.
How else can one explain the stiff-neck opposition to review of the derivation formula from 13 per cent to 18 per cent? For how long shall the oil-bearing states and communities be made to bear the brunt of oil and gas exploitation and production, sacrifice their once arable lands and lose their traditional occupations of fishing and farming, and yet, depend on a paltry 13 per cent for environmental remediation and pollution control.
These were part of the fears minorities expressed since the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by Lord Fredrick Luggard in 1914. It was for the same concerns that the colonial powers convoked conference after conference, and issued report after report to assure minorities of their protection and economic survival.
More than 100 years after, the same fears that informed their reluctance to be part of Nigeria still remain unaddressed, with their economic rights daily violated with impunity by others, simply depending on numbers.
Where good conscience, equity, justice and fair-play have roots, the Federal Government should concern its-self with efforts geared towards regular remediation of the environment as a means of restoring the people’s traditional means of livelihood-fishing and farming.
Another is to encourage aggressive agricultural pursuits, since it is now almost certain that oil and gas have expiry dates. And not too far way. This means, the people’s capacity to build alternatives must be enhanced through technology-driven education, provision of standard infrastructure like good roads, water and electricity to drive manufacturing and industrial concerns.
All these and more, including basic healthcare, education and economic empowerment cannot be achieved with a paltry 13 per cent derivation. This is a constant source of frustration not only among the affected states and their political elite but indeed, the youth of the affected areas.
Unfortunately, it was that same frustration that led to the Niger Delta militancy resulting in a drastic drop in national earnings from crude oil production. During the insurgency, the militant youth disrupted production of oil in several flash-points that almost grounded the federation.
It was to check that steady drift into economic precipice that the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua presidency pronounced the amnesty package. And with that, Nigeria’s earnings from oil improved, and today accounts for more than 70 per cent of national revenue.
What is wrong with one who contributes over 70 per cent revenue requesting to enjoy only 18 per cent? Whose interest is it should the Niger Delta insurgency resume on account of the open injustice some Northern delegates seek to pursue.
On the last count, some Northern delegates at the conference even insisted on the appropriation of 5 per cent as reward for the destruction unleashed on the North East region by the terrorist group Boko Haram. To them, if Niger Delta militants must enjoy amnesty, the Northern region must be compensated in some way, even if the Boko Haram has severally refused to heed the call to down arms and embrace dialogue.
Unfortunately, such delegates still tie their likely support for improved derivation formula to the appropriation of 5 per cent of national earnings to rebuild the North East and other zones in the North. This is without consideration of the fact that the affected areas bring little or nothing to the federation revenue allocation table, except pick monthly hand-outs. If the Boko-Haram chooses to reign supreme on account of the people’s loud silence, should other zones be made to pay?
The just struggle of the oil-bearing Niger Delta which systemic denial resulted in militancy, is quite unlike the Boko Haram terrorist siege, and should never be so equated. One is an economic hub seeking its due, while the other is a beggar having a choice.
As the conference resumes therefore, commonsense and good conscience must prevail among the delegates, and without further bickering, endorse the 18 per cent derivation recommended since the last days of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidency, but truncated by that National Conference’s third term agenda.
If 18 per cent was okay in 2006, shouldn’t it be reviewed upwards eight years on? Should it be subjected to such bitter debate capable of disrupting the conference?
The federating states of Nigeria must see the urgency to diversify and be productive. They must pursue economic independence to complement their political relevance. The days are gone when one state will not only depend on the resources of the other but will even dictate how such states’ resources should be administered.
In a true federation, states are the producing units and control their various resources. They merely pay taxes and contribute towards common needs like national security, currency and maintaining the national army, among other basic needs.
My Agony is that a lot of premium is placed on numbers and not quality of contribution to the commonwealth, which is why beggars not merely have choices, they decide what others must get.
Soye Wilson Jambo
Justice Kutigi
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.