Call for scrapping off DESOPADEC, a morbid attempt to discredit progress – CSO leader 

Mr Okezi Odugala, a renowned civil society leader and Executive Director of Eziodu Initiative for Sustainable Environmental Development, has vehemently

condemned Mr Keinde Taiga’s call for the scrapping of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

Douglas  addressing  newsmen on Friday in Asaba, expressed shock at Taiga’s misguided audacity, wondering why a self-proclaimed activist and leader of Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta Chapter would call for the dismantling of an interventionist agency that was

established through the tireless efforts of many.

He questioned whether

Taiga was oblivious to the numerous infrastructural projects across oil-bearing communities in Delta State.

He also queried, Taiga’s  his ethnic representatives on the Board had not contributed to projects in his area.

Odugala however emphasized that constructive criticism is welcome, but casting aspersions

on the commission and its officials is not.

He therefore urged Taiga to refrain from distracting the management team to focus on delivering the

‘MORE agenda’ of the present administration to the people of the State.

He described the appointees in the Board of DESOPADEC as highly cerebral persons with professional and positive communal track records, who have achieved success stories in their public and private careers.

Odugala praised Chief  John Nani -Chairman of commission as a

humane servant leader and philanthropist with a credible pedigree and urged that

his indelible legacies should not be rubbished by a neophyte.

He advised Taiga to

wait for his turn and not attempt to tarnish the reputation of esteemed leaders who had remain their compass.

Odugala emphasized the need for credible and constructive criticism and for civil society players to operate within the confines of the law, partnering for the sustainable development of the State.

He also called on Taiga to  join hands with management of the commission and other

stakeholders to build a better future for the people of the State.

”I am calling on Comrade Kehinde Taiga to contribute his quota positively for the sustainable development of Delta State and not to cast aspersion nor carryout unfounded negative  media trials of Desopadec and her management

 team.

”We need everyone onboard to passionately contribute for the peace, unity and prosperity of Delta State. Desopadec as much as l know is on the positive path of realizing her mandate of intervening in the oil bearing communities and need our support always, ” he stated.