Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has sworn in the reconstituted members of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) with a charge to them not to allow infighting or personality clash disrupt the execution of programmes.
Dr. Uduaghan warned that the state government will not tolerate any thing that would bring embarrassment or slow down the work of the commission.
He therefore enjoined them to be focused and execute people oriented projects instead of engaging in avoidable squabbles or personality clashes.
“This is not the time to engage in frivolities rather you should execute people oriented projects instead of engaging in avoidable clashes and squabbles,” he said.
The governor directed the Commission to work in consonance with communities in Oil Producing areas and consult them on projects to be executed.
Dr. Uduaghan implored them to apply the bottom up approach in running the commission so that the communities would assist in determining the projects they want to be executed in their areas.
He explained that the commission should not ignore the wish of the communities to enable peace and development prevail.
His words: “Let the host communities assist in determining the projects they want in their areas. I think with this peace will prevail and development will be enhanced. I want to stress that what is of prime importance is to achieve efficient service delivery in a way that people will have positive impact of government.”
The governor recalled the maiden DESOPADEC and challenges it faced explaining that the organization was eventually bogged down by arguments and they should therefore do what is proper at all times.
The governor reminded members of the commission that they were accountable to the people and should therefore not put up mediocre performance.
Dr. Uduaghan enjoined them to make Oil producing communities direct beneficiaries of the principle of derivation especially giving them a stronger hand and voice in decision making.
He reiterated the determination of his administration to transform the state and therefore charged members of the commission to become conscious of their roles in the overall achievement of the sustainable vision.
Emphasizing the importance of strategic planning in project execution, the governor said “you should plan what you are going to do to enable you achieve set objectives. The resources available are not commensurate with the challenges that face us as a state, you should therefore set your priorities right.”
The chairman of the commission Mr. Oritsua Kpogho in his response expressed appreciation to the governor for finding them worthy for the appointment.
Mr. Kpogho promised that members of the commission would not betray the confidence placed on them even as he also promised to execute people oriented projects.
Those sworn in include Mr. Micheal Diden, Dr. Henry Offah, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, Arch Joseph Ogeh and Rev. Chukwudi Ekeh.
Others are Chief Christopher Obiuwevbi, Mr. Festus Utuama and Sir Kenny Ekenechukwu Okolugbo.
