Derivation of 13%, part of Delta budget -Commissioner

Mr Charles Aniagwu, Delta Commissioner for Information, says the state’s 13% oil derivation fund is still an important part of its budget.

Aniagwu made the remarks during a press conference in Asaba on Tuesday.

He stated that while the Federal Government is correct in demanding accountability, specific states should not be singled out because of their 13% derivation.

According to Aniagwu, the state government is transparent in all aspects of its financial management, including the allocation of funds for project execution, salaries, and human capital development.

“Today, everyone talks about 13% derivation as if it isn’t supported by law and as if other states aren’t given funds through federal allocation.”

“There is nothing wrong with demanding accountability, but the idea of singling out Niger Delta states as if they are the only ones to receive funds in this country is unacceptable.”

“We must always ask the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Federal Government to explain how they spend their resources.”

Nigerians, he said, had the right to demand accountability and probity from public officials.

“In Delta, we’ve kept explaining what we’ve been doing with our resources.

“The Koka Flyover and interchange is about to be completed, the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway is being built, human capital development through various platforms has benefited over 17,000 people; none of this is voodoo economy.”

“In Delta, we do not owe workers a single day’s pay; this is not a voodoo economy, but real money.”

“The 13% is what we get from our state; it is not a bonus; it is part of our resources, not a windfall.”

“When we prepare our budget, we take into account the 13% derivation, and when we present our budget, the derivation is represented as a source of revenue,” Aniagwu explained.

“The 13% derivation is given due to the peculiar nature of our region,” he added.

“Some of you are aware that building roads, particularly in our coastal communities, costs more than four kilometers in the upland.”

When compared to other regions in the country, he noted that the terrain in the Niger Delta region was unusual and difficult to develop in terms of roads, drainage, and bridge construction.

“Enough of this blackmail about 13% as if someone has given us free money and expects us to come and account for the free money.”

“That money is budgeted for, it is legitimate Niger Delta State earnings, and it is constitutionally guaranteed.”

“If anyone wants accountability, they should ask all the states what they do with their resources rather than single out 13%,” Aniagwu said.

Aniagwu, who also serves as the Spokesman for the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organization, stated that his principal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, has the blueprint to lead the country to recovery if elected in 2023.

Concerning Chatham House, “We have no problems with people going to Chatham House,” Aniagwu stated.

“We recognize that Chatham House is a wonderful institution that has played an important role in the political development of our country.”

“If we are invited to Chatham House and have the time, we will go in order to speak to the international community as well.”

“We are confident in the abilities of our candidates; Atiku or Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.”

The commissioner expressed the state government’s appreciation to the journalists for their articulate coverage of the recently concluded 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba.