The Bolowei (Traditional Prime Minister) of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta, Wellington Okirika, has commended Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) for his bold stance on the proper implementation of the 13 per cent derivation fund.
Mr Okirika a renowned Niger Delta elder statesman described Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District as a true patriot and fearless advocate of equity for the oil-producing region.
This is contained in a statement from the Ned Nwoko Media Directorate and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Friday.
According to the statement, the elder statesman also known as “Mr 13 per cent Derivation Fund” due to his long-standing activism for host communities, expressed his appreciation during a meeting with the lawmaker.
He said his confidence in Nwoko’s leadership prompted him to take the 30-year injustice allegedly perpetuated by some governors in the region directly to the lawmaker.
“You proved to me that you are a true leader by your actions towards the deliberate act of unpatriotism done against the people of the Niger Delta region,” he said.
Mr Okirika who is the founding Executive Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and a founding father of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), described the Delta North Senator as “one of the best leaders in Nigeria who hate oppression and is very vocal”.
He expressed optimism that the lawmaker’s intervention would mark a turning point in the legal and legislative redress of what he termed a long-standing economic injustice to the host communities.
According to him, communities in Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Zones are closely following your activities at the National Assembly and are impressed by your dedication and unique commitment to issues of national and regional significance.
“We believe the governors will hear from you shortly and the Niger Delta region will never forget you as you take the motion for an act to urgently commence the legal implementation of the 13 per cent derivation fund to reflect the legislative compliance of Section 162(2).
“This section mandates the Federal Government to pay the 13 per cent directly to host communities,” Okirika added.
