Confab c’ttee may retain 13% derivation

By Patrick Andrew

After more than half a dozen stalemates on the resource control or derivation principles, the Committee on Devolution of Power may have opted to retain the present 13 percent derivation for oil producing areas.

Peoples Daily learnt they opted for the status quo following several failed efforts from both the Southern and Northern delegates to review the principle either upward or downward.

Northern delegates had adduced strong arguments against derivation, particularly as it involved revenue accruable from the high seas.

Members of the committee resolved to retain the 13 percent derivation principle following the contributions of respective members who insisted that succour should equally be provided for non-oil producing areas to address whatever imbalance there may be.

Credible sources informed Peoples Daily yesterday that the delegates decided to retain the principle because the protagonists of the policy conceded to the demands made by some delegates mostly from the North for necessary succour to be constitutionally provided to address the needs of non-oil producing areas, and thus thereby checkmate the lopsidedness in revenue sharing.

“Basically, we are suspecting that there might be a shift of positions, but we are unlikely to go beyond or below what we have right now. Everyone was of the view that Nigeria has come to be, and that nothing should put it apart.

“That means agreeing to live together by shifting grounds and ensuring that every interest is taken care of. We resolved through contributions made that the status quo should remain. That is the 13 percent accruable to oil producing areas should remain.

“However, we also resolved that a contingency provision should be made to cater for the needs of non-oil producing areas so that the existing lopsidedness, which some strongly kicked against for obvious reasons, will be sufficiently addressed in a manner that satisfies everyone,” he said.

Meanwhile, co-Chairman of the committee, Obong Victor Attah confirmed yesterday that the committee would make its resolutions known today following the contribution of each member.