South-South Reps reject N444.6bn security funds for the region

Soji Ajibola, Yenagoa - 10.02.2008

South-South caucus in the House of Representatives on Saturday ended their two-day retreat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, describing as unacceptable, the provision of N444.6bn for Niger Delta security as contained in the 2008 appropriation bill.

This may further delay the passage of the Bill, as the caucus in a 12-point communiqué, signed by Hon. Andrew Uchendu and Hon. Daniel Reyeniju, said the budget was not explicit enough on the provision, thereby describing it as ambiguous and unacceptable.

It called for a clear definition of the proposal by both the President and the National Assembly so as to determine the level of commitment and sincerity of the Federal government towards resolving the Niger Delta question.

Also, disturbed by the non-release of the money being owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the caucus called for its immediate release, stressing the need for the government to abide with the Act establishing the Commission.