N300 billion for Niger Delta Development paltry

The 10% equity in the downstream sector of the economy which is now to benefit the Niger Delta communities should not be delayed by the Senate and should start immediately; the Niger Delta state governors must not be part of this because of the evident profligacy and corruption most of them are neck deep in. […]

The 10% equity in the downstream sector of the economy which is now to benefit the Niger Delta communities should not be delayed by the Senate and should start immediately; the Niger Delta state governors must not be part of this because of the evident profligacy and corruption most of them are neck deep in.

When you consider that Akwa Ibom State, blessed with better terrain than most other Niger Delta states, claims that it has spent more than N200 billion (on roads alone) within the last two years, then the little above N300 billion initial fund, which the Federal Government is about to provide for the development of the entire Niger Delta region as a palliative, is to say the least, not an amount that would make any appreciable impact.

Discontent has been the order of the day among the ex-militants about the way the Federal Government is handling the matter of post-amnesty. We should avert a situation where they would regret their decision and revert to their arms.

Nwadi Okoro, Plot 324, Wetheral Road, Owerri, Imo State.