News
Confab: S’South Opts For 22.5%-50% Derivation
L-R: Chairman, World Pension Summit for Africa, Mrs Grace Usoro; Co-chairman, World Pension Summit, Mr Harry Smorenberg; Acting Director-General of Pencom, Ms Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Co-chairman, World Pension Summit, Mr Eric Eggink and Chairman, Senate Committee on Pencom, Sen. Aloysius Etuk, at the World Pension Summit in Abuja last Monday.
At last, the National Conference, Monday and yesterday debated the thorny issues of resource control, derivation principle and devolution of powers, as it considered the report of its Committee of Devolution of Power, with South-South delegates opting for between 22.5 per cent and 50 per cent derivation.
As fervent debates flourished during the plenary session of the conference following conferees commencement of debate on the report of the Committee on Devolution of Power, expectations were high, and tension beclouded the plenary but the sagacity of the Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutugi, who presided, doused the tension.
The committee’s slim-volume submission, loaded with serious issues, focused principally on devolving power from the centre to the federating units; and the issue of resource control.
The report was however applauded by the delegates shortly after it was presented by the co-chairmen, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, and the former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie.
Critically examined in the report, whose recommendations would be subjected to vote by the conference later, were the issues of resource control, derivation principle, revenue sharing formula, and the development and exploitation of mineral resources nationwide.
The report also examined 68 items cited in the Second Schedule, Part One of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with the Exclusive Legislative List; and 30 items contained in Part Two of the Fourth Schedule bordering on the Concurrent Legislative List.
While most delegates from the South, particularly, the South-South and South-East said derivation should be increased from the present 13 per cent to between 22.5 per cent and 50 per cent, others suggested that it should be reduced further from 13 per cent.
Resource control, perhaps, was the most debated aspect of the report.
Each delegate, depending on where he or she comes from, wanted considerable level of control of resources in view of the adoption of true federalism by the conference while others said the issue did not arise as far as they were concerned.
Those who canvassed the view that states should control their resources said they did so in the spirit of devolution of power which allows the states to only pay taxes or make appropriate financial contributions to the Federal Government.
Others argued that mineral resources in Nigeria are owned in law by the Federal Government as contained in Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Section 44(3) states that: “Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oil and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.”
In its report, which is still subject to ratification by the conference, the committee said that after heated discussion on resource control, it unanimously agreed that the issue of derivation should rather be discussed instead of resource control.
It said its decision was informed by the emotive nature of the issue, which in the committee’s view was capable of destabilising the country.
On derivation, the committee said some delegates were of the view that derivation should be increased either in a quantum or gradual manner; while others were opposed to any form of increase.
Instead, some members had proposed the reintroduction of the off-shore/on-shore oil dichotomy in derivation payments; at the same time, while others kicked against it.
The committee said that even the abolition of intervention measures such as the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission and the Amnesty Programme were robustly discussed.
After long debates which spanned four days, the report indicated that a consensus was reached on the issue to the effect that the status quo be maintained in order to avoid upsetting the existing peace and equilibrium in the polity, which it described as a product of years of political engineering and craftsmanship.
On fiscal federalism which basically deals with how revenues are generated and distributed among the federating units in the federation, the committee concluded that the powers conferred on the Federal Government to keep custody of and determine the terms and manner of fund allocation from the Federation Account negate the principles of fiscal federalism.
The committee spotted what it called imbalance in favour of the Federal Government in the sharing formula, and maintained that the imbalance has adversely affected the performance of the federating units, and therefore asked for a review.
It recommended that the powers of the Federal Government under Section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to prescribe the terms and manner of sharing national revenue should be exercised through the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
The committee argued that RMAFC should at the same time consult the federal and state governments before presenting a draft bill on the matter to the National Assembly for enactment into law.
On vertical revenue sharing, which deals with how revenue is disbursed to federating units, the committee emphasised the need for equilibrium between the central government and the federating units, comprising states and local governments.
It said that it conducted examination of specific development challenges of states and local governments, and concluded that to a great extent, rapid economic and social development could be achieved in the country if the percentage of revenues allocated to states and local governments were reviewed upwards.
It recommended that the sharing formula for funds accruing to the Federation Account among the three tiers of government should be: Federal Government 42.5 per cent instead of the present 52.68 per cent; state governments 35 per cent instead of the current 26.72 per cent; and the local governments 22.5 per cent to replace the current 20.60 per cent.
The committee further recommended that the percentage given to population and equity of states in the existing sharing formula be reduced while that assigned to social development factor should be increased to a higher percentage to ensure accelerated development of all parts of the country.
The proposed sharing formula by the committee is based on: diminished emphasis on principles of equality of states and population; increased emphasis on social development factor; and internally generated revenue.
On mines and minerals including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas, the committee recommended that they should be retained on the Exclusive Legislative List as specified in the 1999 Constitution but should be amended to read thus: “The governments of states where the mining activities take place shall be involved in matters relating thereto; (and that) the government of the federation shall create a special fund to develop mines and minerals in states where such resources are undeveloped.”
According to the committee, the overriding need to bring all other mineral resources of the country, hitherto undeveloped, into the mainstream development by activating National Strategic Plan for exploitation of minerals to boost their contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), were considered in making this recommendation.
Still on mineral development, the committee recommended a constitutional provision for the establishment of a Special Fund for the development of mineral resources in the country.
It further proposed that 4.5 per cent of the total revenue accruing to the federation should be devoted to this special fund when established.
In addition, the committee wants the Special Fund to be in the form of a Venture Capital Fund, advising that a competent body should be established to administer the fund according to the guidelines that shall be specified by the National Assembly.
Before the presentation of the committee’s report to plenary, a delegate, Professor Awalu Yadudu, addressed the conference to “state his own part of the story” on the raging controversy of “consensus group and the existence of position paper”.
Yadudu debunked insinuations that he was primed to “scatter” the conference as claimed by another delegate but rather insisted that his decision to opt out of the consensus committee was informed by the fact that most of the decisions adopted in the position paper presented to plenary were not part of the recommendations of any committee.
Earlier, an elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, had addressed the conference, and harped on the need to put the interest of the country above sectional and personal interest.
Clark expressed regret that the consensus committee constituted to resolve contentious issues that may arise in the course of adoption of the recommendations of committees was “scattered” midway.
The Ijaw leader said he was sad that issues that could scatter or dent the credibility of the conference were being raised close to the end of the parley.
He said everyone must understand that Nigeria “is made up of equal citizens. Nobody is superior to the other. We came to this conference in order to have consensus on contentious issues.”
He appealed to delegates to see the National Conference as an ample opportunity to contribute their quota to the task of reforming Nigeria.
Justus Awaji, Abuja
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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