“We request the NNPC to as a matter of urgency explain the criteria, location and distribution of the so-called Special Projects as none is seen in Akwa Ibom, one wonders why the state has not been considered fit for the location of any NNPC subsidiary…”- Akwa Ibom Leaders’ Vanguard
Over the weekend, a press statement credited to a group of elders in Akwa Ibom state under the aegis of “Akwa Ibom Leaders’ Vanguard” surfaced on the media space across Nigeria and beyond.
The content amongst other issues sought to persuade President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government to right some wrongs especially as it concerns the speedy depletion and mismanagement of the common wealth of the nation, especially funds generated from oil and gas explorations in the Niger Delta, which Akwa Ibom state remains a major contributor.
According to reports, the elders that partook in the media outcry included: Senator Anietie Okon; Senator Effiong Bob; Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien; Senator Etang Umoyo; H E. Senator Helen Esuene; Chief (Dr) Emmanuel Ukpong; Dr (Barr) Emmanuel Umanah; Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit; Barr Hogan Ene Okon; Chief Emmanuel Ibiok; Rt. Hon Peter Linus; Dr (Barr) Effiong Osung.
These, are no mean personalities in Akwa Ibom state.
Recall that at the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held penultimate week in Abuja, Nigerians were shocked with an information that the excess crude account balance dropped by $253 million dollars within one month, with an additional information that the NNPC had expended an unexplainable 43billion naira on unbudgeted subhead tagged “Special Projects” without further details on where such projects are located, when they were approved, bided for and inaugurated, whereas all monies made by NNPC should go to the country’s treasury first. In a press statement, the elders voiced out their fury against the negative financial reports, because by law funds in excess crude account should be shared by the three tiers of government.
President Buhari’s regime has also expended billions of dollars in search of crude oil in the north, even to the Chad basin; this is happening at a period that the government is refusing to fund the revitalization of existing refineries. It seems, the President in his nepotistic disposition seems more interested in discovering oil even in Chad Republic than building any infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.
Leaders in the Niger Delta must speak up, just as Akwa Ibom elders, who, by this act have woken from slumber to speak up for the betterment of the state as it used to be.
I recall that in early 2000s, it took the effort of Elders from Akwa Ibom state, who organized themselves into a forum and provided the state government all round support both legally and outside the courts, including visiting the then President Olusegun Obasanjo several times in both Aso Rock and Ota farm to mount pressure on him to endorse our demands for resource control.
Again, still under Obasanjo administration, a section of Akwa Ibom elders under the aegis of Ibibio Elders Forum, led a delegation that met with OBJ, requesting him to immortalize Late Chief Dr. Clement Isong by putting his image on the then proposed 1000 naira note, to honour Isong, who was the first Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
One can also easily chronicle many instances were elders of different states have been able to either arm-twist or persuade the Federal Government to either oblige to demands of the people or refrain from unlawful acts perceived to be inimical to the growth of the society or a section of the country.
But in recent times, such boldness seems to have departed from our elders. The last time elders of Akwa Ibom in APC were led to visit President Muhammadu Buhari, there were no reports of them making any demand in favour of the state. They were merely led there probably by a fellow who intended to show them that he has access to lead people to go and sit with Buhari. So they went, sat with the President and smiled with him to the delight of the sharp camera lenses in Aso rock. Their only take home was their appearances on different National TV screens and Newspapers across the country the following day.
As such, the recent call by elders of Akwa Ibom State on the Federal Government of Nigeria to reexamine their conducts in line with extant rules and regulations especially as it concerns the expending of our national patrimony is very commendable and more of such must be encouraged.
If they are doing so because they are opposition party, so be it. If they are paid by whomever to do it, the pay should be increased; it is high time our people began to demand for what is rightfully ours as people in other parts of the country are doing.
Back here in the state, elders in different communities, Local Governments, even professional experts in different sectors must begin to speak out against various misdeeds by government at all levels.
Internally, there have been complains of neglect by core oil producing communities across the state, elders of such communities should also call the state government to order.
Gov. Udom Emmanuel should be persuaded to create a special agency for the development of core oil producing areas, as it’s done in other Niger Delta states.
Recently, youths of Oro nation took to the streets to protest against what they described as ‘marginalization’, but till today, despite the quality of highly intelligent elders that Oro nation is known for, they are yet to organize themselves and issue a strong statement against the state government, are they afraid? Why should elders of 65 or 70years and above shy away from confronting government to demand their peoples’ right.
In Southwest of Nigeria, the elders have taken over the discussion in support of Amotokun, giving it the necessary bite without fear of powers that be in Nigeria.
Now that Akwa Ibom elders have woken up, let the youth, women, all and sundry support them to speak loud to this Buhari’s government that is suffering from hearing problems.
I noticed that ‘Akwa Ibom Leaders’ Vanguard featured a few elders from the State; other elders should also arise and lend their voices to different issues plaguing the welfare of our people.
Source