President Muhammadu Buhari receives in audience with Isoko Traditional Rulers Council in State House
The constitutional 13 percent derivation meant for the Niger Delta region will be looked into by the federal government, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
The President also promised to ensure even spread of developmental projects across the region.
Buhari, according to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu, made this promise on Friday when he received Isoko traditional rulers and personalities in Abuja.
He assured the royal fathers that the constitutional provisions for Niger Delta development will be carefully studied for inclusiveness, especially in the prioritisation of Federal Government projects.
“I have listened attentively to your address and I will still update myself with details of development in your area as it relates to oil and gas, and lack of infrastructure.
“I will look at the constitutional 13 per cent derivation and what previous governments have done, in order to know what we can do,” Buhari said.
Iduh Amadhe, President General of the Isoko Development Union who spoke on behalf of the Isoko leaders, had earlier asked President Muhammadu Buhari to consider some anomalies in the spread of development projects in the Niger Delta.
Amadhe claimed that the Isoko community and its indigenes had been sidelined in Federal Government appointments, with the last appointment of a minister in 1975.
He noted that the region was also ignored as regards federal educational institutions, skill development centres and infrastructure.
President Muhammadu Buhari, however, expressed surprise that the domain was not adequately captured in federal government appointments and noted that, “I will revisit your address and ask for clarification. I will do my best on this issue.”