The Federal Government, Tuesday, denied favouring the Niger Delta region at the expense of other geo-political zones in the country in the distribution of developmental projects.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Reuben Abati, in a statement said: “It is a verifiable fact that the Niger Delta projects listed in the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, publication which formed the basis of the mischievous report were initiated, not by President Goodluck Jonathan, but by his late predecessor, President Umaru Yar’Adua.

“The projects, which were envisioned by late President Yar’Adua to give full effect to his admirable commitment to redressing the underdevelopment of the Niger Delta, are all contained in the Appropriation Act passed by the National Assembly which represents all sections of the country.

“Instead of being pilloried and assailed by mischievous insinuations of regional favouritism, President Jonathan ought to be commended for keeping faith with his prede-cessor’s vision of equity.” in national development and for implementing the budget as passed by the National Assembly.

“These projects and the ongoing amnesty programme for repentant militants in the Niger Delta are indeed a most worthy legacy of the truly visionary and nationalistic leadership of late President Yar’Adua who was fully committed to peace, stability and the equal development of all parts of the country.