The Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC) and business mogul, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief John Nani, to render a full account of their stewardship to the people of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Akpodoro accused successive governments of running DESOPADEC like a “personal estate,” rather than as an interventionist agency established to serve oil-producing communities.
He noted that public attention has shifted from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to DESOPADEC, and Deltans are increasingly demanding transparency from the institution.
According to him, billions of naira accruing to the agency from the 13% derivation fund are being mismanaged.
He challenged Governor Oborevwori and the DESOPADEC leadership to disclose how allocations have been utilized since the current administration came into office.
“It is important we know what goes into DESOPADEC annually and how those funds are spent in oil-producing communities. Deltans are no longer docile; we are asking questions to prevent the kind of looting spree uncovered by the EFCC in past administrations,” Akpodoro said.
While describing Oborevwori as a “saint,” Akpodoro stressed that this reputation would only be reinforced if the governor comes clean on the financial health of DESOPADEC under his watch.
He specifically named the Commission’s leadership, Chairman Chief John Nani, Managing Director Chief Festus Ochonogor, Executive Director of Finance Hon. Koma, and Executive Director of Projects Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, as having a duty of accountability to the people of Delta State.
“Nani himself, as a former MD of DESOPADEC, was part of the processes that led to EFCC’s arrest and detention of ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Deltans are now more proactive and will not tolerate looting. Governor Oborevwori must therefore explain how funds accruing to the commission have been managed since he assumed office,” he declared.
The Urhobo leader emphasized that the state’s wealth belongs to all Deltans and must not be squandered under any guise. He vowed to mobilize citizens to demand accountability if the government fails to respond.
“Democratic power lies with the people. The treasury of Delta State is held in trust by those in government, but it belongs to the citizens. If explanations are not forthcoming, we will petition anti-corruption agencies and even take to the streets. Deltans deserve to know how their commonwealth is being managed,” Akpodoro stated.
