By Anthony O. Kevwe
A misguided and baseless attack against the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has emerged, orchestrated by a faction of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum (DICF). As a committed and dedicated member of the forum, I find it very imperative to address this reckless publication and bring clarity to the situation.
My decision to remain anonymous stems from a deep concern for personal security, knowing the lengths to which the Chairman, Engr Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho and the Secretary, Prince Charles Ebigbagha and their cronies can go to silence dissent and accountability. These individuals—driven by selfish motives and petty politics are attempting to tarnish the corporate image of DESOPADEC and derail its developmental strides.
The accusations made in the aforementioned publication are deliberately misleading and fail to paint the full picture. The claim that DESOPADEC’s management engages in ill-treatment of contractors overlooks critical facts. It is no secret within our forum that several of those behind this smear campaign have failed to fulfill their contractual obligations.
The truth is that many projects have been abandoned or executed in a substandard manner. DESOPADEC, as a responsible interventional agency, has every right to withhold payments for any project that has not been completed or poorly executed. To suggest otherwise is totally unprofessional and demands the commission’s reward for negligence and inefficiency.
Furthermore, the issue of payment variations, which has been a major talking point in the publication, deserves context. The contractors making these demands are primarily those who abandoned their projects and believed to use blackmail to collect payment but it won’t happen.
The delays are caused by their own inactions, which coincided with inflationary pressures, leading to increased costs of materials and others. Now they expected the commission to foot the bills for their lack of diligence. DESOPADEC can not and should not indulge in such recklessness. It is crucial to understand that while inflation is a legitimate concern, it does not absolve contractors of their responsibility to complete projects within specifications. Those who have diligently executed their jobs can testify that DESOPADEC has remained committed to honouring its obligations, even amidst financial constraints.
The publication also highlighted the challenges faced by contractors due to delays in payments, citing accrued loan interests as a significant burden. However, this claim is untrue because it does not present its true light. The narrative is a fictitious fabrication by the chairman, secretary, and their cronies, who have, under the guise of “I’m a DESOPADEC contractor,” obtained large loans from banks for engagements entirely unrelated to their contracts with DESOPADEC.
Hence, these dubious financial practices are the real causes of their financial woes. It is imperative that banks and relevant security agencies investigate these activities thoroughly to unveil the truth. These claims are part of a calculated effort to shift blame and distract from the irresponsible actions of these individuals.
The motives behind this campaign become even clearer when one examines the current state of the DICF. This forum, once a united body, has been fractured by the divisive actions of its leadership. Engr. Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho and Prince Charles Ebigbagha, the Chairman and Secretary respectively, have used their positions to push a political alignment that does not reflect the collective interests of the group. This recent interview attack on DESOPADEC is nothing more than a calculated attempt to undermine the commission’s outstanding performance but to score political points for their selfish interest.
Personally, I do not support this approach but remain silent and stay out for fear of retribution. It is disheartening that a group created to represent the interests of indigenous contractors has been hijacked for personal and selfish gains.
DESOPADEC’s track records are visible and speak for themselves. The commission has consistently delivered impactful projects across the state, ranging from road constructions, community health care centres, the building of schools and their furniture, as well as skills and entrepreneurship development schemes.
These projects are a testament to the commission’s unwavering commitment to improving vibrant leadership and effective representation of the lives of people in oil-producing areas. It is unfortunate that instead of acknowledging these achievements, some members of DICF have chosen to misrepresent the agency’s efforts.
The platform that published this defamatory article is a known purveyor of misinformation, consistently prioritizing sensationalism over factual reporting. By aligning with this dubious platform, the faction within DICF has shown a blatant disregard for truth and accountability. Their actions not only undermine DESOPADEC but also harm the reputation of all contractors associated with the forum. The public must see through this charade and recognize it for what it is: a selfish and politically motivated smear campaign.
It is crucial that we, as members of DICF, rise above this divisive behaviour brought about by Engr Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho and Prince Charles Ebigbagha and focus on constructive engagement with DESOPADEC. Constructive dialogue, not baseless accusations, is the key to addressing genuine concerns. Contractors who fulfil their obligations have nothing to fear, as the commission has demonstrated a commitment to fairness and transparency. Let us not allow the selfish motives of a few to overshadow the progress being made in our communities.
I know, as a contractor who has executed multiple jobs for DESOPADEC, that the commission remains a vital institution dedicated to uplifting the lives of Delta State’s oil-producing communities. While it may not be perfect, it continues to make significant strides in development despite the challenges it faces.
This baseless attack, driven by political ambition and personal gain, should not detract from the commission’s noble mission. As a concerned member of DICF, I stand firmly against this smear campaign and urge all well-meaning individuals to do the same. Together, we can ensure that the truth prevails and that DESOPADEC continues to be recognized as one of the foremost government interventionist agencies in Nigeria and delivers on its mandate for the benefit of all Deltans.
