$1bn to tackle Boko Haram: Wike demands special fund for Niger-Delta

Following the announcement Thursday of the release of $1-billion by the Federal Executive Council to tackle Boko Haram in the North East, Governor Nyesom Wike has declared that the APC Federal Government must as a matter of urgency release funds for tackling issues of environmental degradation and security in the Niger Delta.

The Governor said while he would not condemn the release of a whopping $1billion to tackle Boko Haram, the environmental and security challenges in the Niger Delta far outweigh the Boko Haram conflict.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki had Thursday after the FEC meeting announced the approval of $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account by the federal government to be used in the prosecution of the war against the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

But Wike speaking during the Annual General Meeting of Okpo Club of Nigeria (Association of Ikwerre Lawyers) on Saturday in Port Harcourt, requested the APC Federal Government to release the derivation component of the Excess Crude to the oil-producing states of the Niger Delta.

He said: “Niger Delta environmental problems are as serious as the Boko Haram Insurgency. I am not saying that you should not fight Boko Haram.

“If you can get funds from the National Pool to tackle  Boko Haram, then you should go to the pool to get funds to fight environmental problems in Ogoni and other Niger Delta communities “.

Commenting on politics in Rivers State, Governor Wike urged all ethnic nationalities to work together to fast-track development in the state.

He said no ethnic nationality in the state can succeed with others, hence the need for greater cooperation at all levels.

The governor also called on the people of the state to always work for relevance in the political terrain of the country as that is the state can attract development.

Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), commended Governor Wike for his commitment to the development of the state.

He assured him of the support of Ikwerre Lawyers as he works for the people of Rivers State.

Chairman of Okpo Club of Nigeria, Mr Chukwuma Chinwo said the club will continue to mobilise Ikwerre Lawyers for the development of the area.

Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia said the Association of Ikwerre Lawyers has grown over the years to become a catalyst for development.

The highpoint of the occasion was the celebration of the Birthday of the Rivers State Governor by members of the Association of Ikwerre Lawyers.