Ex-Health Minister, Aduku urges direct transfer of 13% derivation to oil producing States

The former Minister of Health, Arch. Gabriel Aduku has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the transfer of 13% revenue derivativation to oil and other mineral resources bearing communities to avoid being misappropriated by the State governors.

Aduku recalled that he chaired the Revenue Allocation Committee of Abacha’s Constitutional Conference from 1994 to 1995 which worked out the 13% oil derivativation, recalling that the Committee did that in the interest of community development, but which has become a conduit pipe for some governors.

He disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, insisting that he was making the appeal to President Tinubu, given that there were no impact of the 13% derivativation since it was introduced and adopted by the Federal Government 29 years ago.

The ex-Minister expressed optimism that President Tinubu who has been governor Lagos for two terms, a Senator and his exposure would help him in the understanding of the plight of oil bearing communities so as to consider his plea.

“The implementation of these should be strictly put together. The governors will have nothing to do with the derivation of thirteen percent fund that is in the constitution, it’s for all the communities that are affected.

“Many of the governors thereafter saw money and they would look at what to do, they would prefer to do the things themselves rather than give it to the people that are affected for the purpose for which it is derived.”

Aduku believed that some governors were better enriched with 13% derivation, so that they want to contest presidential election at the end of their two terms in office.

“We have seen what some governors have done with it and it encourages them to aspire to become President of Nigeria since they have money now. They use money making a factor for democracy so unfortunately it’s one of the evils that have eaten up this country.

“But it can be simply managed if only there is sincerity of purpose in the people. So I submit again that the derivation factor is a blessing to Nigerians, and in all other considerations it affects the people, because governance is about the people, not about individuals, how much one can make out of it, or how much their friends made out of it.”