Peter Akpan, Uyo
A militant group, Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) has cautioned Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom over withholding of 31 local government area funds and the diversion oil revenue meant for oil producing communities in the state.
The group, which asked Emmanuel to steer clear of the 13 per cent oil derivation fund, also demanded him to establish Akwa Ibom State Oil Producing Development Commission urgently to manage the funds.
A statement signed and made available to journalists by the Akwa Ibom State Commander of the NDLF, Captain Victor Eyoh, in Uyo on Sunday, noted that the demands of the group were in the best interest of the state.
He advised paramount rulers and other categories of traditional rulers not to dabble into matters concerning oil companies and compensation to host communities in Akwa Ibom.
“We hereby demand that Mr Udom Emmanuel should account for all the funds he has received so far particularly those meant for the development of the 31 local government areas and also refund same to the respective local government areas without further delay.
”Furthermore, Governor Udom Emmanuel should hand off forthwith the confiscation LG funds for whatever reasons. Such funds from the Federation Account should not be tampered with, rather all the 31 LGAs should be allowed be allowed to receive and utilize same for the development of their councils.
”We hereby also demand that the state government should set up, as a matter of urgency, the Akwa Ibom State Oil Producing Development Commission to manage the 13% Oil Derivation Funds as done in other States of the Niger Delta to ensure the adequate development of the oil producing areas which have been subjected to untold hardships, loss of means of livelihood, environmental hazards, poverty and marginalization these past years,” the statement read. While sympathising with victims of the #EndSARS protest, who lost their lives and property, the NDLF urged the government to accede to all the demands of the youths for peace and unity to reign in the country.