13% Derivation Fund: Edo Got Only N2.1bn, Obaseki Replies Wike

As governors in the Southern states of Niger Delta battle to defend how they expended billions of naira accruable from the 13 per cent derivation, Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki yesterday said the state has so far received the total of N2.1 billion paid in three tranches of N700 million

The governor stated this after Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike challenged his colleagues on the Southern oil producing states to account for 13 per cent derivation fund received and noted that it was the same fund he used in executing mega projects in the state.

Speaking for the governor, the state commissioner for information and orientation, Christopher Osaretin Nehikhare flanked by the commissioner for budget and planning, Joseph Eboigbe said the state has so far received three tranches of the 13 per cent derivation since the commencement of the release of the fund.

The state also took a swipe at former governor Adams Oshiomhole, accusing him of plying up debt of N160 billion after having received N1 trillion during his eight years in office.

Nehikhare said, “By the time Oshiomhole left office, eight years later after receiving N1trillion from the federation account, Edo owed N160 billion. Under normal circumstances, Oshiomhole doesn’t not have the moral authority to talk about transparency or accountability.

“Obaseki’s government is the most frugal and transparent government the state has produced in the last 25 -30 years. We will wait and respond to Oshiomhole at the appropriate time. Thank God he is standing for an election and we will call him out to answer to the Edo people”.

His counterpart, the commissioner for budget and planning, Hon Joseph Eboigbe while shedding more light on the 13 per cent derivation disclosed that Edo state share of the derivation fund is N28 billion.