13% Derivations: Contractors Urge Delta Govt to Fund DESOPADEC Promptly

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Indigenous Contractors Forum has appealed to Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to adequately fund the state interventionist agency with its 13 per cent derivations towards the development of the oil producing areas in the state.

Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Ogie Samson, who made the plea yesterday, during the inauguration of new executive of the forum, assured the cooperation of the group to both the Governor of the state and the new Board of DESOPADEC.

The new executive comprises Ogie Samson as Chairman; Chief Dominic Afeh, Vice Chairman; Prince Charles Ebigbagha, Secretary; Mr. Dele Akpotaire, Treasurer; Madam Oleh Pat, Financial Secretary; Mr Okotete Karo, Organizing Secretary; Mr Patrick Ziakpono Oghonemu, Provost; Mrs Ebi Pat, Publicity Secretary and Mr Eshaghare Friday as Ex officio.

Ogie, urged the DESOPADEC’s management to pay its contractors promptly and as at when due, noting that most of them took loans to execute projects for the commission.

He thanked members of the forum for having faith in the new executive, promising not to disappoint them and also pledged to take steps towards the unification of all members as well as interface with the management of DESOPADEC effectively on their welfare.

The immediate past chairman of the forum, Chief James Tangbowei, said the forum was established in 2015, to collectively agitate for payment of contracts executed by members for the commission and charged the new executive to carry every member along in their programmes.

Also the pioneer chairman, Francis Obule, urged the new board of DESOPADEC to tackle variations in various contracts already awarded in line with reality of the present economic situation in the country.