Reps urge FG to release NDDC funds

11.02.2008

South South caucus of the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to immediately release all funds due to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that this was contained in a 12-point communiqué issued at the end of the South-South parliamentary caucus retreat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Sunday.

The communiqué was signed by its chairman, Andrew Uchendu and Secretary, Daniel Reyenieju. The communiqué said that pursuant to the NDDC Act, all contributors and stakeholders should adhere to the provisions of the Act.

“That the Parliamentary Caucus hereby sets for itself a legislative agenda aimed at reappraising legislations which have constituted impediments to the development of the Niger Delta region and its environment,’’ it said.

It also called for the introduction of legislation for the advancement of the course of the Niger Delta. “That a clear definition by the National Assembly and Mr President of the sums accruable to the Niger Delta in the 2008 budget be ascertained. “The omnibus provision of the sum of N444.6 billion for Niger Delta and security in the budget proposal is ambiguous and unacceptable to the people of the Niger Delta.

“That a venture partnership between or among the Niger Delta states is hereby advocated for the purpose of bringing about a collaborative effort geared towards the provision of public infrastructures,’’ the communiqué added.

The communiqué said that the projects would be jointly financed by the Niger Delta states in proportion to their individual earnings from the derivation revenue.