Group wants 13% oil derivation commission in A’Ibom

Peter Akpan

Eket Peoples Union has called for the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Oil Producing Development Commission (AKOPADEC) to manage the 13 per cent oil derivation fund accruing to the state. 

According to the union, the commission has become imperative following allegations by prominent Niger Delta leaders that South South governors were diverting the fund to the detriment of oil producing communities in the region. 

It could be recalled that the trio of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang and the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass in Brass Kingdom, Bayelsa State, Alfred Diette-Spiff had at various times accused the governors of the region of diverting the fund. 

National President, Eket Peoples Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, stated that the only way oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom could feel the effect of the fund was for Governor Udom Emmanuel to create the AKOPADEC. 

A statement signed and forwarded to journalists on Monday by the union, indicated that Akwa Ibom was the most affected in the mismanagement of the 13 per cent oil derivation revenue 

“Within the week, youths of Eket Federal Constituency embarked on a peaceful protest along Grace Bill Road in Eket, with series of demands, including the completion of Eket Ibeno Road, lack of good roads within the constituency, among others.  

”Eket Federal Constituency produces 85 per cent of the state’s revenue, 41 per cent of the National Oil and Gas Revenue should attract the sympathy of the state and Federal governments in terms of qualitative/quantitative development of the area. 

”Aware of how protests can degenerate into unintended ends, we urge restraint on all protests and wish to state as follows: 

”We appeal that Governor Udom Emmanuel should as a matter of expediency and urgency, establish the Akwa Ibom State Oil Producing Development Commission (AKOPADEC), with the sole aim of channelling the mandatory 13 per cent derivation funds to the commission for rapid development of the area.   

The group recalled that In 2009, the  State House of Assembly had passed into law a bill, which was consented by former Governor Akpabio, for the payment of 15 per cent of the 13 per cent derivation funds to the core oil producing communities in the state. 

”Though not implemented but we reject the 15 per cent of the 13 per cent to at least 70 per cent of the 13 per cent. Establishment of AKOPADEC is in line with this law. 

”The Eket People’s Union (EPU) engaged previous governments on the need to establish AKOPADEC and would continue peaceful engagement with government on the needful establishment of AKOPADEC. 

”The Eket People’s Union is aware of court cases in Eket, Oron and other places either for the payment of 13 per cent derivation or the establishment of the State Oil Producing Communities Development Commission (AKOPADEC). 

”We would tow the path of peace and encourage the establishment of the Commission as a prelude to the out of court settlement of these cases in the interest of peace and development.  

”We appeal for the completion of abandoned roads in Eket Federal constituency and the rehabilitation of all bad roads within the constituency. 

”EPU would continue to partner with the State and Federal Government in every way possible for the peace and development of the Federal Constituency and endorses this release as part of its collaborative efforts in this regard”, the group said.