Whither Derivation Fund For Oil Communities?

Sociologically, the issue of fighting social ills for the less privileged and suppressed economy has taken precious souls to the great beyond, yet there is no adequate remedy to the oppressed. There is no gainsaying that a lot of notable personalities had lost their lives as a result. These include Sen. Obi Wali of the Second Republic, renowned educationist/Professor Claude Ake,  Adaka Boro of the ancient struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region, and the environmental rights activist, Kenule Saro- Wiwa to mention but a few. These people refused the temporary enjoyment of life offered by authorities, and were so concerned about the general welfare of the common people of the society.

Speaking frankly, it has taken decades since the introduction of Oil Derivation Fund for mineral producing communities and states of the Niger Delta region. The episode of Oil Derivation Formula started with 1 %; 1’/2%; 2%; 3%; 5% and later catapulted to 13% which was widely debated by the National Assembly as against the proposed 25% and 50% demanded by the oil producing areas.

Furthermore, it is appalling that some communities have not seen or witnessed an iota of this so-called oil derivation funds irrespective of their enormous contributions to the welfare of the economy. One may be doubtful. During the Third Republic under the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the need to focus attention on oil producing states and communities in order to alleviate their hazardous atmosphere was vigorously canvassed.

However, it is unfortunate that there has been a great degree of negligence over these years as the people are languishing in abject poverty. This is why I am compelled to posit: whither the oil derivation fund for the development of the oil producing communities? Is it that there is partiality in the disbursement of the welfare package by unscrupulous elements in the helm of affairs?

Take for instance, Amah community in Igburu axis of Ogba/Egbemal/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, with over six functional wells producing oil and gas under exploration and exploitation by Total for the past thirty-six years. The community has remained without any   form of meaningful development projects embarked upon by any government at any given time up to date. In fact, this is irritating and capable of triggering catastrophic feud with the authorities that be.

It is not surprising why a hero such as Ken Saro- Wiwa persisted for the development of Ogoniland by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which led to his untimely demise on November 10, 1995 along with other prominent sons of the land, following their refusal to be bribed by General Sani Abacha’s tyrannical military regime to pervert the course of justice.

Evidently, some states and communities that do not own an iota of hydrocarbon resources are very buoyant, and in geometric progression in terms of socio-economic development. This is gross mischief against nature and humanity. If the representatives of constituencies of the oil producing communities at both the state and national Legislative organs could see it as an opportunity to usurp and divert the things made for their people through their selfish interests, there is an adage that “the sneeze of a mahogany tree would always flow on its body. “If  therefore, they think they are wise, they should know they are fools in the sight of God and will regret what they are doing at the end of the day.

Of course, there is a biblical assertion “that what belongs to Caesar should be given to Caesar, while that which belongs  God should equally be given to God.” It would be unreasonable to hide under the cloak of national development, whereas the allocation for the development of oil mineral producing communities terminates at the national levels. What a deceit of the highest order?

Pertinently, Niger Delta region has been under siege for decades until the youths were invited to Abuja by the Sani Abacha government for a special programme which opened their eyes as they saw the magnitude of developmental projects and costly structures with the oil money, while the producers and contributors are languishing in abject poverty. This is the genesis of militancy, aimed at fighting for justice and emancipation from the scheming of the non-producing areas.

At this juncture, it behoves one to beckon on the federal and state governments to appropriately monitor the derivation fund for oil producing communities to enhance adequate utilisation on developmental projects. Conversely, in order to avoid continuation of militancy and vandalisation activities by youths in the Niger Delta region, particularly and Nigeria in general, the need to address the ugly situation militating against the oil producing communities cannot be over-stressed.

Summarily, enough is enough of the decades of deceit and abject negligence over the oil producing communities, the pride of the nation. Let the derivation fund earmarked for the oil producing communities be distributed judiciously to avoid rancour and instability in the land. The future of this great nation depends on how it is piloted today!

Ominyanwa, a Public Affairs Analyst, resides in Port Harcourt.

Goddy Ominyanwa