The Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, and the former Military Administrator of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, has expressed worries over the slow rate the Nigerian state responds to every demand by the people of Niger Delta region.
Apparently irked by the Federal Government’s insensitivity to the plight of the region, particularly as it affects the issue of oil production in the region, the monarch described the three percent allocated to the host communities in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), recently passed by the National Assembly as a mere ‘back hand gift’.
King Diette-Spiff made his feelings known while speaking to newsmen on the passage of the bill at the Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa, last Friday.
He alleged that those who knew the plight of the host communities and the Niger Delta people were reluctant to make development easier in the region. 
“Some of them that we thought are friends to us when we attend meetings will suddenly become something else when it comes to what should be given to the oil host communities.
“You will hear them say that much have been given to the Niger Delta people, and what are they still asking for again; but meanwhile, the host communities are suffering because of the effect of pollution and oil exploration, as their means of living are being destroyed without adequate compensations.
“Everybody is now interested in the share of oil proceeds, as every tier of government now depends most on the share of oil revenue for survival and development from the centre. 
“Meanwhile, in my state, Bayelsa, an oil producing state, we have only eight local government areas, whereas in Kano State, a non oil producing state, they have 44 local government areas, and all of them share from the oil revenue from the centre. 
“Nevertheless, we thank God that something has been passed, the journey has started. We are not going to fight anybody because of that, but more will come eventually”, Diette-Spiff said.
The royal father also urged the people of Niger Delta to understand their peculiarities and work together in peace and understanding, and ensure that the little that will come is judiciously used.
He expressed regret that people outside the Niger Delta were still interested in managing the little that has been given to the region indirectly, because such agencies are controlled by the Federal Government.

By: Corlins Walter