2019: Akwa Ibom leaders demand accountability of oil/gas revenues

As the nation jostle for general elections next year, elders of Akwa Ibom have urged the All Progressive Congress (APC) led federal government to prepare the account of all the oil and gas earnings to the people from inception of the present administration. Addressing a press conference in Uyo yesterday under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Leaders Vanguard led by senator Anietie OKon, the Elders accused the federal government of what they described as ‘untoward abuse of the Nigerian constitution’ by the APC led federal government occasioned by flagrant abuse and meddling in matters that affect inviobility of the federating units. Referring to the recent plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arraign the National President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Paul Usoro (SAN) the elders said such interference was an unnecessary persecution and witch hunting as the legal luminary was engaged by the state government before Governor Emmanuel took over as Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom. Senator OKon also accused the federal government of conspiracy with federal institutions to frustrate the state and entire Niger Delta region from receiving their statutory funds for developments He listed the federal institutions to include Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) as well as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporations (NNPC) which the Elders blamed for inability to ascertain the correct quantities of both crude and natural gas produced from the region. The Akwa Ibom Elders further observed that the federal government has demonstrated gross incompetence by manipulating institutions to her advantage The Elders further observed that has failed to deliver meaningful reforms to drive the economy. The Elders group requested international agencies such World Bank and United Nations to advice APC government on effect of destroying the revenue ability of Niger Delta being the threat to world oil protection. Isaac Job, Uyo