Resource control debates begin
The conference committee on devolution of power yesterday began debate on resource control, with many delegates saying there is need for resource control but wished that its implementation be delayed to enable all parts of the country to be ready to embrace it.
A delegate Senator Jack Tilley Gyado, said every time the issue of resource control comes on the table, people become apprehensive.
“A lot of marriages breakdown due to lack of money and how it is spent. I must align myself with the contributions of Ibrahim Mantu.
“With 13 per cent being given the South-South, with the NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta, the SURE-P, the Amnesty and normal allocations to the states, I advise we make haste slowly in asking for more to be given. I believe that the timing of the request is wrong although the request is good,” he said.
Chief Ayo Adebanjo said he is privileged to be part of those who started the agitation for resource control in the country during which Western Region used 50 percent of its resources to carry our massive development of the region.
Already northern delegates have started calling for the return of the on-shore/off-shore dichotomy, with the Lamido Adamawa Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha proposing that oil states should have 100 percent control of oil revenue while non-oil producing states should control their lands.
The committee on environment also yesterday set up four sub committees. They are on climate change; pollution and gas flaring; deforestation, drought and bush burning; and waste management/mining.