By Ovasa Ogaga,
The Bolowei, Traditional Prime Minister of Gbaramatu Kingdom and respected Niger Delta elder statesman, Chief Dr. Wellington O. Okirika (CON), has applauded Senator Ned Munir Nwoko’s bold campaign for the direct payment of the 13% derivation fund to host communities.
Describing the Delta North lawmaker as “one of the best leaders in Nigeria who hate oppression,” Chief Okirika praised Nwoko’s courage in challenging what he called a 30-year injustice against oil-producing communities.
“You proved to me that you are a true leader by your actions towards the deliberate act of unpatriotism done against the people of the Niger Delta region,” Chief Okirika said during a visit to Senator Nwoko at both his residence and office.
Widely known as “Mr. 13% Derivation Fund” for his decades-long activism, Okirika said his confidence in Senator Nwoko’s leadership inspired him to bring the issue directly to the senator. The elder statesman, a founding Executive Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and co-founder of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), expressed optimism that Nwoko’s legislative intervention will be a game-changer.
He commended the senator’s fearless advocacy and voiced the support of communities in Delta Central and Delta South. “They are closely following Senator Nwoko’s activities at the National Assembly and are impressed by his dedication and unique commitment to national and regional issues,” he said.
Chief Okirika also delivered warm greetings from the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom, home to well-known resource control advocate Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a. Tompolo).
“We believe the governors will hear from you shortly and the Niger Delta region will never forget you as you take the motion for an act to urgently commence the legal implementation of the 13% derivation fund to reflect the legislative compliance of Section 162(2), which mandates the Federal Government to pay the 13% directly to host communities,” he added.
