The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has demanded an upward review derivation formula, saying it was wrong to give a meagre 13 per cent to oil producing states.
To this end, the IYC called for true federalism to address the anomalies and mistreatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.
Its President of the Council, Dr. Theophilous Alaye stated this during the 26th anniversary of the Kaiama Declaration while addressing the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara at Government House Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
He noted: “It is wrong for the people of the Niger Delta who lay the golden egg to be given little from their God given resources through the 13 per cent derivation formula. We call for a true federalism in order to address the anomalies and mis-treatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.”
Alaye in a statement issued Thursday decried that the oil and gas exploration activities taking place in the Niger Delta was what has been sustaining the country, however, little is given to the people of the region.
He expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction towards the federal government for failing to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta.
The IYC president, therefore, appealed to Fubara to convey the message of Ijaw Youths to President Bola Tinubu, saying Ijaw people have contributed immensely to the growth, development and survival of Nigeria.
Alaye added: “As a people, we understand that our resources has been a contributing factor to the well-being of Nigeria and as a result of oil exploration and exploration in the Niger Delta, our environment has been adversely contaminated and polluted therefore need a complete remediation.”
Responding, Fubara noted that the Kaiama Declaration and the Isaac Boro Day celebration is a national day for Ijaw nationality, noting that the anniversary marks a significant day in history.
He appealed to the Ijaw Youths to remain peaceful and be law-abiding, saying no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of crisis and violence.
The governor urged them to work closely with the government in order to achieve the desired result.
“I feel very happy that you still appreciate the contributions of the late Isaac Adaka Boro on his sacrifices and contributions to the Ijaw people,” he said.