Photo: Gov Sheriff Oborevwori is accused of cornering DESOPADEC’s funds
By Jerry Ikutegbe, Delta Bureau Chief
Leaders of oil-bearing communities in Delta State have called out Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over his alleged hijack of over N20bn derivation funds meant for the state Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC.
The Delta State Oil Producing Communities Stakeholders Forum, DSOPCSF, accused the governor and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, of installing puppets to head the commission while also allegedly starving it of funds.
The allegations were contained in a stinging open letter titled, ‘DESOPADEC’s Funds, Not State Government Funds’, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a copy of which was obtained by our reporter. It was signed by Akporode Oyibo, Collins Prebor, Onyemeche Okibo and Omadino Amatoritsero, President and other exco members of the group.
It drew the President’s attention to “a dangerous political gimmick unfolding in Delta State since the inception of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration”, claiming that DESOPADEC “has effectively been subsumed under the Governor’s Office”.
The letter noted that the Okowa and Oborevwori, who are not from oil-bearing communities, deliberately installed men who are also not from oil communities to head the commission as part of a purported ploy to cripple it.
“The crisis in DESOPADEC stems from the actions of both Okowa and Oborevwori, who appointed leaders with no ties to oil-bearing communities. These appointees hail from non-oil-producing areas, leaving them disconnected from the suffering and challenges faced by the communities that sustain the nation’s economy.
“It is manipulative and unjust for those unaffected by the environmental and economic hardships of oil exploration to sit atop a commission where they now control a commission meant to alleviate the suffering of affected communities.
“These oil-producing communities endure pollution, environmental degradation, and loss of traditional livelihoods, yet DESOPADEC remains silent and inactive under its current leadership. This is only happening because from the governor to the MD, there is a lack of empathy and understanding of what we go through daily.”
They noted that the law setting up the commission made it mandatory that the 13% Derivation Revenue should be shared 50/50 between the state and the commission.
“This fund is meant exclusively for the development of oil-producing communities, independent of the state government’s control. It also does not mean that the areas should be excluded from general developmental projects/programmes undertaken by the state.
“Governor Oborevwori has hijacked these funds, further tightening his autocratic grip on the commission and the board appointees, who are too docile to offer a whimper.
“Since the start of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, oil production and revenues have steadily increased, resulting in substantial allocations to oil-rich states like Delta.
“Between January and June 2024, Delta State received N113.78 billion in 13% Derivation Funds. By law, DESOPADEC should have received approximately N56.9 billion—half of this amount. Yet, despite the increase in revenue, DESOPADEC’s allocation is at an all-time low.
“The commission’s 2023 budget was released belatedly, around the first anniversary of Oborevwori’s inauguration (May/June 2024). As of late 2024, no budget has been approved for the development of oil-producing communities. This lack of transparency raises urgent questions: Where are DESOPADEC’s funds being kept? Who is managing them?”
projects have been initiated or completed in any of the three senatorial districts. Unless these projects are hidden, we challenge Governor Oborevwori, Hon. Nani, and Chief Ochonogor to list at least three major projects initiated, executed, and completed during their tenure.
We also call on President Tinubu to take note of the mismanagement of DESOPADEC’s finances. The diversion of funds meant for oil communities is unacceptable and constitutes misappropriation.
We urge anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate the handling of these funds and hold the culprits accountable. Oil-producing communities cannot continue to suffer while resources meant for their welfare are squandered.
