Chief Dr. Wellington O. Okirika (CON), popularly known as 'Mr. 13% Derivation Fund' for his advocate for a better deal for host communities, has lamented the non-implementation of the 13% Derivation Fund to reflect the legislative compliance of Section 162(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, as amended, a violation he said has gone on for over three decades.

Chief Okirika, who is the Bolowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West council area, raised the concern when he paid a courtesy visit to the Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Ned Munir Nwoko, both at the senator’s residence and office in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The elder statesman during the visit commended Senator Nwoko for his bold stance on the proper implementation of the 13% derivation fund, describing him as a true patriot and fearless advocate of equity for the oil-producing region.

In a statement he released, the Bolowei stated that his confidence in Senator Nwoko’s leadership prompted him to take the 30-year injustice allegedly perpetuated by some governors in the region directly to the lawmaker.

"You proved to me that you are a true leader by your actions towards the deliberate act of unpatriotism done against the people of the Niger Delta region," Chief Okirika said.

According to him, Senator Nwoko is “one of the best leaders in Nigeria who hate oppression and is very vocal,” while expressing optimism that the senator’s intervention will mark a turning point in the legal and legislative redress of what he termed "a long-standing economic injustice to the host communities."

According to Chief Okirika, who is the founding Executive Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, and a founding father of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, HOSCON, communities in Delta Central and Delta South senatorial zones are closely following Senator Nwoko’s activities at the National Assembly and are impressed by his dedication and unique commitment to issues of national and regional significance.

In his message, the Bolowei said "The people of Gbaramatu Kingdom, home to Niger Delta leader and activist, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo, also sent their warm greetings to Senator Ned Nwoko.

“We believe the governors will hear from you shortly and the Niger Delta region will never forget you as you take the motion for an act to urgently commence the legal implementation of the 13% derivation fund to reflect the legislative compliance of Section 162(2), which mandates the Federal Government to pay the 13% directly to host communities,” Chief Okirika said.

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