Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has appealed to the new National Assembly to look into the present revenue allocation and come up with a more equitable formula, saying that the present formula is no longer sustainable owing to the recent increase in workers’ minimum wage.

“If something is not done urgently, most states and local governments might go bankrupt under the burden of salaries and wages”.

“Let the new national assembly be a platform to solve the challenges of unemployment, environmental degradation and post-election violence. It should look into revenue allocation formula which is no longer obtainable considering the new minimum wage, if not, most states in the country will go bankrupt.”

Uduaghan, represented by his deputy, Professor Amos Utuama, made the appeal at the opening session of an Induction Course for members-elect the National Assembly in Asaba.

He remarked that “The National Assembly should serve as a platform to address challenges, especially those associated with poverty and unemployment as well as ecological matters, which pose serious threats to various communities both here in Delta State and other parts of the country” and urged them to take time off their schedule to see some communities under threats of being washed away by erosion in the state.

“The incoming National Assembly should critically examine the issue of continued gas flaring across the Niger Delta.  Apart from its environmental hazards, useful resources are being wasted in flaring when it can be harnessed for our energy needs and exports.  The laws you pass should be able to engender peace and security in our dear country since there can be no sustainable development in the absence of peace, security and the attendant harmonious co-existence”, he harped.