A prominent Niger Delta elder statesman, Dr Wellington Okirika, has praised Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta North) for his firm stance on ensuring the 13 per cent derivation fund is allocated directly to oil-producing host communities.
Dr Okirika, the Bolowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and former chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), described Nwoko as a fearless advocate for justice and equity in the region.
In a statement released by the Ned Nwoko Media Directorate on Friday, Okirika—often referred to as “Mr 13% Derivation Fund” due to his long-standing activism—expressed gratitude during a meeting with the lawmaker.
“You proved you are a true leader by standing against the deliberate acts of unpatriotism committed against the Niger Delta people,” he said.
The elder statesman expressed confidence in Nwoko’s leadership to address what he termed a 30-year injustice allegedly sustained by some state governors through mismanagement of the derivation fund.
He commended Nwoko’s motion calling for legal implementation of Section 162(2) of the Constitution, which mandates the Federal Government to remit the 13 per cent derivation directly to host communities, rather than through state governments.
Okirika also noted that host communities in Delta Central and Delta South are closely following the senator’s activities and remain hopeful that his efforts will lead to meaningful redress and regional development.