13% Derivation: N-Delta group urges Tinubu to honour Okrika, architect of resource control ...As Billions flow monthly to oil-producing states

The Niger Delta Civil Society Forum (NDCSF) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour an elder statesman in the region, Chief Dr. Wellington Okrika for what it described as "a lifetime of selfless service, patriotism and sacrifice in championing the struggle that gave birth to Nigeria's 13 per cent derivation principle".

According to the Forum, "while oil-producing states continue to receive billions of naira every month from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) through the constitutional derivation principle, the man who championed the struggle has remained unapreciated and acknowledged"..

These were contained in a statement signed by the NDCSF Coordinator, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Monday.

The NDCSF stated that it had become necessary to introduce a new generation of Nigerians to the life, struggles and achievements of Chief Okrika, whom it described as one of the principal architects of modern Niger Delta development.

The Forum maintained that Chief Okrika, the Bolowei (Traditional Prime Minister) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, is popularly known across the Niger Delta as 'Mr. 13% Derivation Fund' because of his role in championing and financing the advocacy that led to the adoption of the 13 per cent derivation principle during the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference.

The NDCSF further stated that Chief Okrika's relentless advocacy culminated in the inclusion of the 13 per cent derivation principle in Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), thereby providing a constitutional framework for compensating oil-producing states for the environmental degradation and economic consequences associated with crude oil and gas extraction.

The Forum explained that the derivation principle was conceived to ensure that communities bearing the environmental burden of petroleum production would benefit from revenues generated from their natural resources.

"Today, governors of oil-producing states receive billions of naira every month from FAAC under the 13 per cent derivation principle. Those funds are the outcome of a struggle financed and championed by Chief Dr. Wellington Okrika. Yet the man whose vision, sacrifice and personal resources made this constitutional achievement possible has not received the recognition he deserves," the statement said.

The NDCSF described the situation as a historical injustice, arguing that many beneficiaries of the derivation fund have failed to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices that produced one of the most significant constitutional victories for the Niger Delta.

The Forum noted that beyond leading the struggle for the 13 per cent derivation principle, Chief Okrika played several historic roles that have continued to shape the political, economic and institutional development of Delta State and the Niger Delta.

According to the NDCSF, Chief Okrika is the Founding Father and Pioneer Executive Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the intervention agency established to drive development in oil-producing communities across Delta State.

The Forum also recognised him as the Founding Father of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), describing the organisation as one of Nigeria's foremost advocacy platforms for the protection of the rights and welfare of oil and gas host communities.

The NDCSF further credited Chief Okrika with facilitating the creation of Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, saying the development expanded grassroots governance, increased political participation and enhanced representation for the people of the Warri Federal Constituency in both the Delta State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.

It also praised him for securing official government recognition of First-Class Traditional Ruler status for the monarchs of Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba and Egbema Kingdoms, describing the achievement as a milestone in strengthening traditional institutions and preserving the cultural identity of the people.

According to the Forum, Chief Okrika's contributions extend beyond the Ijaw nation, positively impacting the Itsekiri, Urhobo and other ethnic nationalities through constitutional reforms, institution-building and advocacy for equity and justice.

The NDCSF maintained that generations of Niger Deltans continue to benefit from the institutions and constitutional reforms championed by Chief Okrika, stressing that DESOPADEC, HOSCON, the two local government areas and the constitutional derivation principle remain enduring legacies of his leadership.

The Forum expressed concern that despite these achievements, Chief Okrika has not received the level of appreciation befitting his contributions.

"It is regrettable that many governors benefiting from the 13 per cent derivation allocation rarely acknowledge the sacrifices that produced this constitutional provision. Likewise, the institutions and local government structures that emerged from Chief Okrika's vision have not sufficiently recognised his invaluable contributions to the development of the Niger Delta," the statement added.

The NDCSF therefore appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confer additional national recognition on Chief Okrika as a reward for his lifetime of service to Nigeria and his commitment to justice for oil-producing communities.

The Forum also called on the governors of oil-producing states, DESOPADEC, HOSCON, traditional institutions, local government councils, the National Assembly and other stakeholders to celebrate and immortalise Chief Okrika while he is still alive.

"Chief Dr. Wellington Okrika devoted his life, personal resources and political influence to the struggle for justice, equity and development in the Niger Delta. His efforts gave birth to the 13 per cent derivation principle, DESOPADEC and HOSCON, while his leadership contributed to the creation of Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas and secured recognition for several first-class traditional institutions.

"It is never too late to do the right thing. Nigeria must celebrate this living legend while he is still alive. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a unique opportunity to reward a patriot whose lifetime sacrifice continues to generate billions of naira for oil-producing states and strengthen Nigeria's federal structure. Chief Dr. Wellington Okrika deserves to be honoured for his enduring contributions to nation-building," the statement concluded.