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By Correspondent in Minna
The Governor of Akwa-Ibom state, Mr. Gabriel Udom Emmanuel,says that the 5 per cent oil derivation being demanded by Southern Governors is not too much, considering the devastation faced by the communities whose land and natural hibitation is being tampered with.
Governor Udom made his position known on Friday while fielding questions from Journalists shortly after the the 22nd Graduation/Launching of KS-2021, El-Amin International School, Minna at the El Amin International school Minna Niger state.
Lamenting that the 3 per cent being propagated by the Upper National Assembly is too little, considering the risk and health hazards members of oil producing areas are subjected to on a daily basis, Udom said the affected communities deserved more than 3 percent.
“Fishermen from oil producing states can no longer earn a living due to oil spillage while their farmers too cannot farm in their land, in addition to other numerous challenges confronting members of oil communities”.
Governor Udom Emmanuel said five per cent of profit of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was never too much either, especially if people needed to see the myriads of challenges oil communities goes through in all fairness.
He said while members of the National Assembly had performed their duties and the Southern Governors coukd not take away their functions”, ‘members of oil communities also had a function to perform for maximum benefits.
Not giving up in the task of protecting the interest of oil producing communities as a Governor, Mr. Udom told journalists that ‘the Southern Governors would study it carefully, adding that “what they wish for Nigeria is the very best at the end”.
