Oil producing communities in Delta State have called on former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to account for the 13% derivation fund allocated to the state during his tenure. In a joint statement signed by leaders of various oil producing communities, they expressed support for elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark’s call for an investigation into the use of the funds. They also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the matter.
The statement highlighted that only 50% of the funds were allocated to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) as required by law, while the remaining 50% was not given to DESOPADEC. They demanded accountability for the approximately ₦869.5 billion ($2.1 billion) that was not disbursed to DESOPADEC.
The oil producing communities expressed concern over the lack of development in their areas despite the significant funds received. They referenced previous legal action taken against former Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ifeanyi Okowa regarding the misuse of the derivation funds. The statement also mentioned that Delta State’s oil producing communities had previously protested and issued warnings about the lack of visible development in their areas.
The communities voiced their support for Pa Edwin Clark’s petition to the EFCC and staged a protest at the EFCC headquarters, emphasizing the need for accountability and warning of potential disruptions to oil production if their concerns were not addressed.
The call for accountability from oil producing communities highlights the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring equitable distribution and proper utilization of funds allocated to support the development of these regions.
