In Retrospect: Posted 15th March 2023. We asked questions but no one gave answers

DESOPADEC: BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS 2016 – 2023
2016 – N28 billion
2017 – N28 billion
2018 – N28 billion
2019 – N31 billion
2020 – N21.4 billion
2021 – N30 billion
2022 – N34 billion
2023 – N48 billion
Total – N248.4 billion
Source: Delta State Budget Documents.
NB: For those who often argue that budgetary allocation does not equate to releases, it is therefore possible to state that DESOPADEC did not get the entire N248.4 billion allocated in the eight years of Gov. Okowa.

Based on the DESOPADEC Law, fifty percent (50%) of the 13% Derivation Fund is meant to be remitted to DESOPADEC by Delta State Government for the development of the oil producing communities.

From the chart below, in 2021 Delta State received N142 billion from the Federal Government as their share of the 13% Derivation Fund. This means DESOPADEC’s share of 50% would be N71 billion.

The questions to Gov. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa are:
1. Did Delta State Government in 2021 release the sum of seventy one (N71) billion naira to DESOPADEC based on the statutory provision?
2. Why did Delta State Government budget only thirty (N30) billion naira to DESOPADEC in 2021?

NB: N142 billion of 13% Derivation Funds received in 2021. Extrapolate for 8 years = N142 billion × 8 = N1.136 trillion approximately.
50% accrueable to DESOPADEC = N1.136 trillion ÷ 2 = N568 billion.

Actual amount budgeted to DESOPADEC in 8 years (2016 to 2023) = N248.4 billion.

Question: How was the balance N319.6 billion (N568 billion – N248.4 billion) meant for the development of Oil Producing Communities appropriated by the Okowa administration. Oil Producing Communities in Delta State were short change under Okowa. We sincerely hope Gov. Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori will put that aright. The 13% Derivation Fund is meant for the development of Oil Producing Communities because of the environmental degradation occasioned upon them as a result of oil exploration and exploitation. Know that and know peace
MATTERS ARISING!!!!!

~ Olorogun Dieseruvwe Stephen