We want the powers of legislation on oil and gas removed from the exclusive list to concurrent list~Hope Uzodimma

*IMO IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT*
*Governor Hope Uzodimma Speaks At National Sensitization On The Review Of Existing Revenue Allocation Formula Held In Owerri*

*"We now have an opportunity to bring in our complaints and balance all inequities~Uzodimma*
Excerpts 

*"We want the powers of legislation on oil and gas removed from the exclusive list to concurrent list*
~Hope Uzodimma

"Today is a great opportunity and an opportunity we've been looking for since 1992.

A lot of agitation has followed the revenue generation of this nation ranging from inequity, injustice and lack of fairness in the distribution of the proceeds of our natural resources. 

While we were at the Senate, we made efforts to see whether we can on our own ammend the provisions of the constitution that have allowed this loopsided parametres for the sharing of revenue. It was very difficult.
Then, we adviced and agreed that the only Body authorised to alter and change the revenue formula is the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.( RMAFC). 

For the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to open up this crusade for a review, it means that we now have an opportunity to bring in our complaints and balance all inequities. 

Your assignment is golden. It is a very credible assignment because after 1992, we discovered new realities. We also made some new discoveries making it necessary for those factors that will influence, or those factors that are behind revenue generation should also be able to influence revenue distribution.

As we say - the strength of generation of revenue and the special circumstances peculiar to certain areas should stand as an opportunity for those people to benefit more.

Today, we are only doing sensitization - trying to broaden awareness and allow our people to participate in this process of decision making on how our resources and various natural endowments in Imo State should act as our strength.

Compared to a State like Texas, USA with the same topography as ours. When you fly into Texas you will see economic crops growing and people living around the oil producing areas.

Now, imagine an aircraft flying into Warri or into Oguta and Ohaji area of Imo State. You will see that all the roofs has turned brown, all the waters polluted, all the fishes dead - and yet the state government cannot legislate over the production of oil and gas. We therefore want the powers of legislation on oil and gas removed from the exclusive list to concurrent list.

"Whether your percentage sharing captures horizontal or vertical procedures, I think it will be important for this percentages to capture the interest of the host communities. It is not enough to get up and say Federal Government 56%, State Government 30% and so forth -  what are the parametres for the allocation of this percentages? 

"The level of environmental degradation in the oil producing areas of Imo State is so monumental  - people are dying everyday. People are dying from different sicknesses occasioned by environmental pollution. 

"There must be a special provision for taking care of oil producing and oil bearing communities.  Federal government's attitude to the way and manner the exploration and production of oil and gas is done is not sufficient

"We must have a legislation that will introduce fiscal discipline and bring sense of ownership to the citizenry and also bring quality life and security to the people - to at least live like those who are blessed by God.

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