Former presidential aide to Muhammadu Buhari, Obol Okoi Obono-Obla, has expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of N16 billion by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for capital projects in 2023/2024, describing it as inadequate, unjust, and unfair to Cross River State.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, Obono-Obla, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserted that such an allocation is unconstitutional and should be rejected.
The NDDC, encompassing nine states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers States, published the allocation for projects under their Appropriation Act 2023.
Obono-Obla questioned the basis for the NDDC to allocate only N16 billion to Cross River State out of the total of N900 billion, stating that every state within the commission should be treated equally without discrimination.
He argued against the assertion that the allocation was justified because Cross River State does not contribute to oil production, calling it wicked, illegal, wrongful, twisted, untenable, malicious, balderdash, and perverse, with no support under the NDDC Act.
According to him, the NDDC management cannot introduce elements not contemplated by the NDDC Act, deeming the allocation unconstitutional in light of the Nigerian Constitution’s prohibition of discrimination.
Obono-Obla further contended that the 13% derivation principle does not influence the sharing template developed by the NDDC management, making the appropriation unconstitutional. He criticized those attempting to justify what he sees as blatant injustice, evident imbalance, and skewed politics in the distribution of resources among NDDC member states.