Calls for Okonjo-Iweala’s Resignation Wrong – Uduaghan

The Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan has faulted members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, who called for the resignation of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala over her non-compliance with the Appropriation Act 2013.

Some governors consisting mainly of the Governor Rotimi Amaechi-led NGF, on Tuesday, claimed that the non-compliance with revenue projections of the Federal Government 2013 Budget was a direct breach of the provisions of the Appropriation Act, 2013.

But, Uduaghan in a press briefing on Wednesday in Lagos, tackled the governors saying that they lacked adequate knowledge about the sector and revenue generation.


He explained that he had led a committee with four other governors on revenue generation and allocation, where he gathered that agencies generating the funds are mainly responsible for the shortage.

He said: “There was call by some of my colleagues for the resignation of the minister of finance which I don’t think is a way forward and not in order. Oil production is at the quantity we budgeted, so where is the money? But Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation is still telling us that they don't have enough money. So, who is responsible? Let the NNPC tell Nigerians what is going wrong with the production.

“The pressure should be on the agencies - NNPC, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Department of Petroleum Resources and the Customs - responsible for the collection of the money on behalf of the federating state and not the minister. Our pressure should be put on the right quarter so that we will not sacrifice wrong people. It is about the technical people in the sector, they oversee the collection of these funds.

“The lack of fund has affected the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee meeting. It is part the reasons for its indefinite suspension. Our economy is still dependent on oil, so when anything small thing is wrong in that aspect, it affects the payment of salary. Most of the States even the Federal Government also depend on this oil to pay salaries. This is why we need to look for alternative means of income through Internally Generated Revenue to pervert this kind of situation.”

On whether top management of the agencies should be advised to resign, he said: “I usually don’t talk on changes when I am not the one in the position to make the changes.”

The governor however described the fight-for-all engaged on by the members of House of Representatives as lamentable and unfortunate.

He said: “What saw in the Villa, what also happened in the House of Representatives are lamentable and unfortunate. What gladdens my heart is that reconciliation process is in progress. Despite the deadlocks, new date is fixed and that means there will surely be a solution. By the 7th of October, a lot of progress that will give confidence to the people will have been in place.

“On the activities of the New People Democratic Party and rebel governors, there are some issues that are been processed, when I finish on them, Nigerians will hear from me. Let’s not complicate issues, I believe that there is time to talk and there is time to be quiet in other to bring reconciliation and strengthen democracy. I spoke with President Goodluck Jonathan and I believe that he is ready to see this to the end by resolution.”

About his relationship with Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, he said: "Amaechi is my friend, he is fine."
While condemning oppositions against Jonathan, he emphasised that there was need for a National Conference in the country.

Uduaghan added: “I have talked about a National Conference over three years ago. What I refuse to agree with is a Sovereign National Conference because of the regional, religious, security and other challenges facing us in the country. We actually need to discuss a decision that will aid development. I support that there should be national conference to give every region the opportunity to express their view and demand.

“Many people from the Niger Delta region still believe that Jonathan has many opposition because he is from there region. They keep wondering why the challenges are so much during his regime especially that of Boko Haram sect demanding him to change religion. I just believe that oppositions should not also be coming from his region.”