Ijaw traditional rulers in Delta State have called on the State Government to release as at when due, the 50 per cent of the 13 per cent derivation fund accruing to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) to fast track development across communities.
The charge was given by the Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum (DITRF) during a familiarization visit on Tuesday by the Executive Director, Social Services, Hon. (Chief) Favour Izoukumor and Board Member representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, Hon. Spencer Okpoye; both on the Board of DESOPADEC at the Palace Annex of the Chairman of the Forum in Ugborikoko, Uvwie council area.
Speaking at the ceremony which had 10 Traditional rulers s in attendance, the chairman of the forum, the Ebananaowei of Ogulagha kingdom, HRM Elder (Capt.) Joseph Timiyan, noted that in the past, there were lots of abandoned projects due to failure of the commission to fund some of the projects or inability to pay contractors.
According to him, the board was not to blame “because the funds do not come to them directly.”
Expressing confidence that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration “will do well with his M.O.R.E agenda,” the monarch said “I will appeal to the state government to release the 50 per cent that accrue to DESOPADEC to them and for DESOPADEC to use it for the communities”.
On his part, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein kingdom and 1st vice chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM S.P. Luke Kalanama VIII, appealed for prompt payments to contractors whose jobs have attained the point to be paid.
He noted that some contractors owe banks and have to sell off their properties to clear loans obtained in order to execute DESOPADEC projects, which ought not to be.
He further remarked that with unity among the board members and having served in the interventionist agency in the past, there was no doubt that Chief Izoukumor “already knows the nooks and crannies of the workings of DESOPADEC,” that will ensure each ethnic nationality gets its due.
HRM Charles Ayemi-Botu, Paramount ruler and Pere of Seimbiri kingdom recounted that the traditional rulers were instrumental to the establishment of DESOPADEC, hence they could interface with the State Government when there are challenges in the commission.
Speaking with journalists, the ED Social Services, Chief Izoukumor said with the hope that Delta continues to receive “more 13 per cent derivation,” DESOPADEC “will try to see that contractors’ payment are prioritized”.
