FROM LEFT, DELTA STATE GOVERNOR, DR. EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN, MINISTER FOR NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS, DR. STEVE ORU AND HIS WIFE MRS. AUGUSTINA ORU, DURING A THANK YOU VISIT TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE MINISTER, IN WARRI, AT THE WEEKEND.
The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan declared at the weekend that the people of the Niger Delta would remain undaunted in their quest for increased derivation from the Federation Account.
Governor Uduaghan observed that the people of the region despite the stalemate on increased derivation at the just concluded National Conference would continue to push for more funds.
Governor Uduaghan made the remarks at the weekend while receiving the Minister for the Niger Delta, Dr. Steve Oru who came on a thank you visit to the Governor. He was accompanied by political leaders of Urhobo extraction, including the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, (SAN).
Dr. Uduaghan explained that the agitation of the Niger Delta region was not borne out of insensitivity and greed but because of the huge fund required to remedy the devastation and pollution to the environment occasioned by the activities of oil exploitation and exploration.
The governor appealed for understanding from all Nigerians to these developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region which the current 13 per cent derivation could not adequately address.
"Let me appeal to our brothers outside the Niger Delta that what we have presently is not near enough what is required to address the challenges of development we have in the region," he said.
Governor Uduaghan noted that although the 50 per cent the delegates to the conference was demanding was not achieved because of the stalemate but stressed, "we shall not give up asking for more for this region."
He appealed to politicians as well as political office holders in the state to eschew the attitude of grumbling but seek the interest of the state above personal interest.
"There are a lot of us who are always grumbling, sometimes we need to draw a line and first of all think of the system, what is in the interest of the state before our personal interest.
"There are people who will say if I don't get it, then I must destroy it. We are even seeing them on the field again for 2015, lots of them are in the race now for 2015. So if God say's it is not you, don't destroy it, try
to see how you can help to build," the governor advised.
Dr. Uduaghan who commended the delegation for coming to appreciate him for his contribution and support towards the appointment of the Minister, said, "Yes I played my part, but I believe that this appointment was given to Dr. Oru by God and God should take the credit.
"God used the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to listen to the cry of the Urhobo people, to listen to the cry of Delta people and to listen to the cry of those who believe in loyalty,steadfastness and those who believe in remaining where they should be even if it has not happened. And that is why we were able to get this appointment," he said.
The State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, who led the delegation on behalf of Dr. Steve Oru and the Urhobo nation thanked the governor for his numerous contributions and support for the Urhobo people, noting that his detribalized disposition has enabled him to pilot the affairs of the state in the right direction.
Dr. Steve Oru while showing his appreciation to the state governor, assured that he will contribute his quota to the development of the region and the benefit of the Niger Delta.
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