Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Barrister Muhammed Tanko Musa, Senior Special Assistant to Kogi state Governor on local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said the agitation for self governing by some regions in Nigeria has been a matter of concern and necessity and if constitutionally permitted and implemented, will enhance national unity, peaceful coexistence, political stability and good governance.
In an interview with Daily Times on Sunday, Barr. Tanko a former Administrator of Kogi LGC , however doubt the sincerity and reediness of the agitators with manner they sealing and mismanaging resources meant for the development of the Niger Delta region.
He recalled that as the agitation continues unabated, a new dimension was introduced by the regions in the name of resource control as they alleged marginalisation in revenue sharing formula by the federal government.
He said the pressure paid off as the federal government under late President Sani Abacha gave the oil producing states 17% derivation from the oil revenue accruing to the federation account.
“To further compensate the oil producing areas, a Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was set up to fast track development and rehabilitation of especially oil polluted areas of the region. In addition the federal government created the Niger Delta Ministry to further ensure fast development of the devastated environment.
“All these efforts by the federal government, the people of the Niger Delta region have decided to betray and sabotage themselves as they have resorted to outright stealing and mismanaging of the resources. They have plundered and squandered all the allocations to the states as well as the special budgetary allocations to NDDC and the ministry of the Niger Delta
“What will be in the minds of the agitators of Federalism and Resource Control now as the leaders of the region are accusing themselves of one sleaze or another. They have exposed themselves both internationally and locally,
“The corruption and other forms of criminalities going on in that region is frightening and should be distanced by all other Nigerians so as not to be contaminated.
“It remains for them to decide on winch side they prefer to be, either to remain with the present arrangement or join their slave masters whose agitation for self rule is fake and selfish.
“What will be the fate of the people of the Niger Delta if they are granted self rule? Definitely the abolished Trans Sahara Trade will be re emerge more ferociously than was witnessed during the precolonial era,” Barr. Tanko stated.
The former local government Administrator therefore advised the National Assembly to hasten its constitutional amendments, especially the agitations to Federalism and Resource control.
