News
13% Oil derivation: Akwa Ibom releases details, admits receipt of N186 billion arrears from FG
In what has been shrouded in secrecy until recently when some critics began to mount pressure on Akwa Ibom State government to give account of the 13% oil derivation accrued to the State, the figure of arrears of money received from the Federal between 2021 and Q3 of the 2022 has been released.
While addressing journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday, the State Finance Commissioner Linus Nkan, said the sum of N186 billion arrears between 2021 and Q3 2022 was received by Akwa Ibom State government.
The disclosure which was the second time in a week was at the backdrop of public demand. This is after the State government had previously referred those interested in knowing the accounts of the Akwa Ibom State to the State Accountant General’
The state government, through Mr. Nkan, initially referred those who asked questions about the arrears to the state budget and the Accountant General’s 2021 report.
Mr. Nkan, for more than a week, has refused PREMIUM TIMES requests for comment on the matter.
Before, different figures circulated on the internet, such as the amount paid to the State for the 13 percent delay in the referral.
Governors of Nigeria’s Niger Delta region have been under pressure to disclose the amount paid to their states as diversion arrears, after Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike revealed on November 18 that part of the money from his state is what his administration had been using to implement various multi-million dollar projects in the state.
Wike’s comment “it would be unfair not to tell the public” made it appear that other governors in the region had withheld information about their receipt of money paid to them by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Later, Governor Rivers, during a banquet hosted in Port Harcourt by the People’s Democratic Party in Rivers State for the G5 governors, challenged other governors from the Niger Delta region to point out what they have been doing with money received from the federal government. , according to a report by Canales TV.
The challenge put governors in the crosshairs and triggered a demand for accountability.
reactions
Fidelis Tilije, Finance Commissioner in Delta state, in his reaction, said that the state would accumulate N240 billion as diversion arrears, and that the state has so far received only N14.7 billion in three tranches of N4.9 billion each.
Mr Tilije said the Delta state government, with the approval of the House of Assembly, requested N100 billion from the bank, with repayment linked to expected diversion fund arrears.
“So far, we have received N14.7 billion in three quarterly installments and have also accessed N30 billion of the N100 billion we requested as bridge financing,” he said.
In Edo, the state government said it received only N2.1 billion of the N28 billion accumulated by the state.
“The net amount will reach each state over five years in 20 tranches. Each year, you will have quarterly shipments, which is four shipments each year for more than five years. Due to some court cases from some states, the launches started this year, October 2022,” said Edo State Finance and Budget Commissioner Joseph Eboigbe.
“The Edo state government got three tranches of N700 million per quarter, which is equivalent to N2.1 billion of the N28 billion. It is verifiable.
“We expect 20 quarterly tranches over five years, but so far, we’ve only gotten three out of 20 and it’s verifiable. We have the records of how the money is spent,” he added.
Akwa Ibom
The finance commissioner in Akwa Ibom, Mr Nkan, said the state had received N160 billion as diversion arrears in 2021 alone.
Nkan also said that the state government projected N41.4 billion in the 2022 budget as bypass arrears, of which it received N26 billion for the third quarter of this year.
The finance commissioner said again that 100 billion naira was estimated in the 2023 budget as bypass arrears, but did not explain the fluctuations in the amount.
For example, N160 billion was received in 2021, but the state government estimated a lower amount: N41.4 billion in the 2022 budget, but in the 2023 budget, the amount increased more than one hundred percent to N100 billion. compared to the 2022 figure.
He reportedly admitted that the state government obtained bank loans, but did not disclose the amount and whether the full amount accrued by the state as bypass arrears was obtained as loans.
Nkan told reporters that the House of Assembly had approved the loans.
policy alertA nonprofit organization that focuses on promoting economic and ecological justice, raised the alarm Friday that the state government may have obtained loans from the bank in 2021 without informing the public.
Tijah-Bolton Akpan, the organization’s executive director, was speaking to reporters in the context of the state government’s refusal to make public the amount received as diversion arrears.
Last year, the organization alleged that the state government received N171.2 billion under the subheading “13 per cent of arrears bypass revenue during the third quarter of 2021,” an allegation that the state’s governor, Udom Emmanuel, denied in February 2022 according to the Business Day newspaper. report.
But the finance commissioner, Mr. Nkan, confirmed the claim made by the non-profit organization, albeit with differences in the figures.
“In 2021, the sum of 160 billion was remitted to the State account. In 2022, the projected income from this source was 41,434,000,000, but as of Q3 (third quarter), the sum of 26 billion has been received.
“Consistent with the proper maintenance of financial records and transparency of public finances, the refund was reflected in the 2021 budget as ‘Other Exceptional Revenue: 13% Bypass Revenue Arrears,’ which was reviewed by a sum of 193,000,000,000; in 2022 the revised provision was 41,434,000,000; in the 2023 budget, the estimate for this item is 100,000,000,000. A simple calculation of these figures will reveal the mindset of sustainability that guides the governance in our State.
Member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Minority Leader of the House, Honourable Kingsley Chinda said, the Tax Reform Bills would serve the interest of citizens of Nigeria.
He spoke in defence of the passage of the recent tax reform bill, describing it as a product of diligent legislative work aimed at serving Nigerians’ interests.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Hon. Chinda emphasized that effective opposition does not require public confrontations but strategic engagement. He noted that the tax reform bill, initially flawed, was subjected to thorough scrutiny and stakeholder consultations before passage.
“We saw that the bill was not good enough for Nigerians, so we pushed for reforms,” Chinda stated. “We engaged the National Assembly leadership, consulted governors, state parliaments, and civil society groups to ensure the final version better served the people.”
While acknowledging that no law is perfect, he maintained that the revised bill represents significant progress, balancing public interest and economic needs.
On the PDP’s internal crisis, Chinda expressed disappointment over conflicting interpretations of the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s national secretary. He dismissed claims by some members still recognizing Chief Ndubuisi Okoye, describing such actions as misleading.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling was clear—Anyanwu was never lawfully removed and remains our national secretary,” Chinda said. He criticized the party’s National Organizing Secretary for causing confusion and urged members to seek clarification from the Peoples Democratic Party’s legal adviser instead of spreading misinformation.
Chinda, who is a leading opposition voice in the House, called for unity, cautioning against public disputes that damage the party’s image. “We must avoid washing our dirty linen in public. The judgment is final, and we should focus on strengthening the party ahead of future elections,” he advised.
Despite the Peoples Democratic Party’s challenges, Chinda expressed optimism about the party’s resurgence after its upcoming congresses and national convention. He urged members to prioritize Nigeria’s interests over personal ambitions, emphasizing that internal disagreements would not diminish the PDP’s role as a viable opposition.
On concerns about Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system, Chinda dismissed fears, stating that the PDP’s revival depends on strategic repositioning rather than the ruling All Progressives Congress’ actions. “We must go back to the drawing board, put the country first, and rebuild,” he concluded.
The Minority Leader’s remarks underscored his commitment to legislative diligence and party discipline, even as the PDP navigates its current turbulence.
HaAN OPEN LETTER TO ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR: THE CASE OF GOING TO EQUITY WITHOUT CLEAN HANDS
My attention as a Public Affairs Commentator and Citizen of Wukari in Taraba State has been invited to various invectives of unprecedented dimension directed at His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON by my brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar ostensibly to give oxygen to resurrect his endless political odyssey and sordid presidential ambition. I am weighing into this public narrative to interrogate various disruptions triggered by some notable politicians like Atiku Abubakar in our national life.
It is hardly possible to build anything out of frustration and bitterness. This is sadly the predicament of a one-time Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who is on course to being enlisted in the Guinness Book of Records, as the only person globally, who has unsuccessfully contested for President for six times spanning 33 years.
These bitterness and frustration have beclouded his reasoning. Atiku Abubakar, who is shamefully a dominant mention in every page of the corruption history in Nigeria, an insipid and serial sodomist, could have rather used the Ramadan period to seek for the atonement of his many mortal and monumental sins from the Almighty Allah, but his engagement in chicanery and unbridled umbrage in the most malicious and defamatory manner is the sad characterization of a man reputed for low family values and child abuse.
The series of pernicious lies peddled by Atiku deserve response in this era of positive and innovative Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has invited collective actions for the growth and prosperity of Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar’s putrid and repulsive corrupt practices have made Nigerians to reject him for a record six times. A master of failure indeed!
It is an established fact that Atiku Abubakar is the most corrupt Nigerian, having been associated with every high-profile corruption allegation in the country across the private and public sectors. In 1996, the then Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha seized control of the NICOTES shares belonging to him and renamed it Integrated Logistics Services Inc.
In 2006, Atiku was indicted by the EFCC and the Federal Government Administrative Panel of Inquiry after a Special Audit /Forensic Investigation of PTDF from 1999 to May 31, 2006.
Internationally, he is known as a super conman. Atiku’s association with American Congressman William Jefferson, who was jailed for 13 years in 2009 over bribery and other charges is well known to millions of Nigerians.
For those who don’t know, Atiku was the subject of a probe about 15 years ago by the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs chaired by Senator Carl Levin. He was indicted for using offshore companies to siphon about 40 million dollars from Nigeria between 2000 and 2008 to his fourth wife in the United States, Jennifer Iwenjiora Douglas Abubakar (now divorced).
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom Atiku served for 8 years as Vice President, in his book ’MY WATCH’, in the chapter, titled “Atiku and US Justice Entanglement”, gave a vivid account of “corrupt involvement” of Atiku with a company called iGATE and William Jefferson. Obasanjo equally linked Atiku to the embezzlement of $20 million, funds that were to be utilized by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and another $125 million to fund PTDF during 2003 fiscal year.
The immediate past governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has also spoken eloquently about Atiku’s corrupt adventure. In his book, ’The Accidental Public Servant’, El-Rufai gave a detailed account of Atiku’s corrupt involvement in Ericsson’s deals, the PTDF scandal, Abuja Water Treatment Plant contract and his obsession with marabouts – these marabouts that have been deceiving him since 1991 that he will be president.
A serial women abuser, Atiku has divorced two of his wives since 1971 (Ladi and Jennifer). In the case of Jennifer, even after the divorce, he threatened and bullied her out of Nigeria. Jennifer had to sell her law chambers in Nigeria and relocated to the UK.
He has been after the woman in an attempt to dispossess her of her assets and properties.
A certified child abuser, Atiku’s exploits with hapless boys and young men are well known. No wonder, in his eight years as vice president and many years as wealthy man (though filthy), Atiku could not boast of a school that could cater for the educational needs of the less privileged, especially boys (Almajiri’s), but now runs the exotic ABTI University and a host of other businesses that are out of the reach of the common man.
In the contrary, unlike Atiku Abubakar, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has for over two decades, conducted himself with integrity and transparency. His accomplishments in Akwa Ibom State, in particular, and Nigeria in general, are symbolized in the countless legacies of infrastructure, human capacity development and tourists’ hub.
Just yesterday (Tuesday), the Super Eagles of Nigeria hosted The Warriors of Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The stadium, which is the only FIFA approved facility in Nigeria, was built by Akpabio as governor of the state. What did Atiku do for Adamawa state and Nigeria?
The Zimbabwean delegation also flew Ibom Air and landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo- all legacies of the Uncommon Transformer. But where are Atiku’s legacies for the people? He can only lay claim to a chain of businesses, which are products of pillaging and corrupt investments.
In all of these, it is crystal clear that Akpabio’s unflinching support for President Tinubu, who blocked Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the APC in 2015 and frustrated his return bid in 2019 and yet floored him in the 2023 general elections is the reason for Atiku’s hostile charge against the Senate President.
But using Akpabio as a ladder to get to the president cannot do Atiku any good. Both Tinubu and Akpabio are united by the resolve to rejig and reset the nation and give Nigerians dividends of democracy, which Atiku as vice president worked tirelessly to undermine for personal aggrandizement.
It is also axiomatic that Atiku has started preparation for the 2027 general elections. As for Akpabio and Tinubu, they are preoccupied with state and governance issues and would not swim with the former vice president in his quest to distract the duo from delivering good governance to Nigerians. When 2027 comes, Nigerians will, for the umpteenth time give, Atiku a black eye and vote the best candidate.
DANJUMA ISAIAH writes from
Wukari in Taraba State
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
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