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Voiding Oil
Dichotomy Act would cause violence � TROMPCON
�In
capitalist society, whether it is a federation or not, the over-riding code
of conduct is a naked self-interest. In this kind of society, every state is
entitled to keep whatever accrues to it by cunning, by the sweat of its brow
or by the unaided bounty of nature. And to accuse a rich state of lack of
fellow feeling or patriotism because it insists on keeping practically
whatsoever that accrues to it is untenable and unrealistic.�
We have
read with shock and disbelief the recent lawsuit instituted by 22 governors
in the country against the Federal Government with a view to voiding the Act
abrogating the on-shore/off-shore oil dichotomy. This grand conspiracy by
these governors was indeed to take our people for another ride, which we
shall collectively resist in its entirety. Their unguarded public utterances,
attitude and actions betray a lack of readiness to embrace the time-tested
system of civil governance.
Agreed that we are
royal fathers who are apolitical, but with the institution of litigation in
the apex court over an already settled issue, we are tempted to re-echo that
although we are committed to the peace, unity and corporate existence of the
Nigerian State, provided that these are anchored on social and economic
justice, equity and faithful practice of the principles of true federalism.
For the avoidance of
doubt, derivation, as an index for revenue allocation, was 50 per cent in the
1960s. Then, Niger Delta got nothing but never protested, at least to allow
peace to reign. When oil became the mainstay of our economy, at the onset of
our unfortunate civil war the Federal Government abolished derivation to help
execute the war. Then, there was no dichotomy and the people of the Niger
Delta did not call for the heads of our brothers in the North and the three
states of the South West, because we did not or never sow seeds of discord
but to work together in the spirit of unity and mutual respect.
However, it was not
until the year 2000, thirty years after the civil war, that any appreciable
derivation (13 per cent) came to being as minimum provision to cushion the
plight of the Niger Delta people. Since then we have earnestly demanded that
it should be increased to 50 per cent taking into cognizance when agriculture
was the life wire of the nation�s economy in the 60s, the principle of
derivation was 50 per cent.
Having considered
fundamental economic and social issues which are imperative to our peaceful
co-existence, members of the national executive council of TROMPCON
(Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria) rose
from an emergency meeting and passed the following resolutions:
�That we thank Mr.
President for what he has done so far for the people of the Niger Delta
region, in the area of abolition of the dichotomy between onshore/offshore
production; setting up of the NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission),
which we are proud of, and carrying out other developmental projects in the
region.
�That TROMPCON
condemns in very strong terms the action of the governors in instituting the
law suit against the Federal Government on the (Oil Dichotomy) Abolition Act.
Such action is capable of threatening the corporate existence of the country.
�That the passage
and the eventual signing into law of the Abrogation Act by the President
dragged on for a very long time despite the opposition mounted by the
Northern States Governors.
�That TROMPCON has
been working day and night to avert the likely violent reaction that would
have trailed this unpatriotic act.
�TROMPCON therefore
calls on our colleagues and leaders in the northern parts, the South West and
well meaning Nigerians to prevail on these governors to withdraw the suit if
they are seen to wish this country well.
�That TROMPCON will
continue to assist the Federal Government to ensure peace and harmony in our
various domains, but this can only be achieved if the governance of the
country is predicted on justice, equity and fair play.
�That TROMPCON
accords tremendous respect for the nation�s judiciary and its irrevocable
dispensation of justice hence they cannot be stampeded into taking irrational
decision that may be deemed to be inimical to the well being of the people of
Niger Delta region.
�It is unfortunate
that the 13 per cent Derivation Fund, which is regarded as pittance, is being
challenged by these people who do not wish this country well at this point in
time when the new agitation for further increase to 50 per cent is being
championed in order to confront headlong the multi-faceted problems of
environmental pollution, ecological degradation, pervasive poverty, etc. that
have over the years made lives unbearable and unworthy of living.
�That TROMPCON is
watching events as regards the law suit and will continue to react
appropriately as it unfolds.
�TROMPCON acknowledges that Mr. President had taken some
far-reaching measures to alleviate the plight of our people, but a guided
tour of the Niger Delta region reveals that more needs to be done to give
these people some sense of belonging collectively in the Nigerian federation.
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