FG should make Zamfara gold a national cake – Wike

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike has asked the Federal government to make the gold in Zamfara state a national benefit or lay hands off the mineral resources in Rivers State.

Wike was reacting to a statement by CBN demanding 5 billion naira gold from the Zamfara state government.

Speaking to the press in the state capital, on Thursday, the governor wondered if same gesture can be extended to his state.

“Since the discovery of oil in our region, we are meant to believe that it is a national cake. Even imams in the North have oil wells in my state and neighboring states.

“Our lands are spilled as a result of this oil yet there are no plans by the federal government to clean up our devastated lands.

“We are given 13% control of something in our backyard which God blessed us with.

“To my greatest surprise, I saw the news of CBN demanding for 5b naira gold from the Zamfara state government.

“So the Zamfara government is managing it but in my own region, many northerners are oil well owners.

“I am looking forth to having a gold well in ZAMFARA state soon since it’s all about mineral resources in our country. Not only me but people of my state.

“If this is not allowed, then let it be known that it is an injustice against us and we will know what to do going further,” he added.

Nwada Ugochinyere Onyechere reporting, Obinwannem News