Is DESOPADEC Now an Engine Room of Corruption and Confusion? Delta APC Queries

By Sylvester Imonina

There is a saying that “a threat to peace anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere”. It is a fact that Isoko ethnic Nationality is one of the most peaceful in Delta State of today but unfortunately, corrupt elements in the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) are now making that section of our dear State a cauldron of avoidable social and economic crisis.

Today, being the 9th day of June, 2021, the Youth Wing of Isoko Development Union (IDU), an umbrella body of Isoko Youth, blocked the gateway to Isoko Nation (Ebor-Iyede Community) and other parts of the State. The protest has resulted in palpable tension in, and around Isoko land.

According to the Youth President, Comrade Ede Hyacinth Ewariezi, amongst other demands; “the sum of ten million naira (N10M) social security fund due to the Youth body from DESOPADEC on a monthly basis has been on diversion by some unscrupulous elements within the management of the Commission since January 2021. And a certain PDP political figure of Isoko extraction is fingered in this unholy alliance”.

Further information states that, the political figure at the centre of the scandal, assembled some of his boys some time ago; had an understanding with the said boys wherein he gives them peanuts from the said N10m and pockets the lion shares on a monthly basis.

The concern of Delta APC is why should DESOPADEC and/ or some members of its management be applying divide and rule methods amongst Isoko Youths? Why is the funds due to Isoko Youth, been conered by the said corrupt elements in DESOPADEC as alleged by the Youth? These are some of the questions begging for answers!

There have been relative peace in some parts of Delta State, particularly Isoko areas. Therefore, any corrupt tendency that could create a panacea for unwarranted crises must be condemned in its entirety.

Delta APC calls on the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to carry out a fact finding/investigation on the activities of some of these unscrupulous elements in DESOPADEC who do not mean well for the good of oil producing communities.

The allegations/issues raised by the IDU-Youth wing against DESOPADEC should not be swept under the carpet.

***Sylvester Imonina, Esq., is the Publicity Secretary (Caretaker), APC Delta State.