Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
Stakeholders of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) have urged the administration of Mr Emeka Ihedioha to return the Commission to the oil landlords in the state.
They made this call at a meeting with the Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Gerald Irona, at a gathering of stakeholders that comprised members of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta at Oguta Civic Center, last Sunday.
The stakeholders expressed their displeasure over a sponsored publication that stated that the state, which was one of the oil producing states in the country, was not entitled to produce a Managing Director for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
They argued that it was the turn of Imo State to produce the Managing Director of the NDDC, agreeing to take steps to advance an advocacy towards achieving same.
A 19-point Communique issued at the meeting urged stakeholders to refute the advertorial on page 26 of Vanguard newspapers, with the false claim that Imo State should not produce a Managing Director for the NDDC.
The Deputy Governor in his address used the occasion to express his discomfiture at the sponsored publication that stated that Imo State was not entitled to the position of the Managing Director of NDDC, describing it as toxic.
Mr Irona said he saw it as the politicization of ISOPADEC by the previous administrations in the state, reiterating the determination of the administration of Chief Emeka Ihedioha to return the Commission to the oil landlords in the state.
Speaking on funding of the Commission, he stressed: “I have extracted commitment from our leader and Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha that ISOPADEC shall receive full funding, as provided by the law establishing it.
“The State Government has released all the monies meant for local governments to them. ISOPADEC has received its funds in full. Our people should hold the chairmen and ISOPADEC leadership to account. The Governor has demonstrated faith by releasing the funds, as promised.”
Also, at the meeting, there was the formal presentation of the new leadership of ISOPADEC, Adapalm Nigeria Limited, as well as the ISOPADEC Advisory Committee whom he charged to be non-partisan.
He also used the occasion to urge traditional rulers in the area to take full responsibility for all government Infrastructure in their domain.
Stakeholders praised the administration of Mr Ihedioha and his Deputy for what they described as inclusive governance, assuring them of total support.
The meeting was attended by very important dignitaries, among whom are: Prof. Okee Okoro, Sir Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police, Prof. Victor Kogah, Engr. John Otti, former Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Power, General Kalu Egwuagu (Rtd), Prof. Ike Azogu, Hon. Hilary Eberendu.
Also gracing the event were Chairman, Interim Management Committee, Oguta LGA, Hon. Damian Ezeru, Chairman, Interim Management Committee, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Engr. Anthony Okwuosha, Managing Director, Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission-ISOPADEC, Barr. Magnus Obido, Chairman, ISOPADEC Board, Traditional Rulers, community leaders, opinion leaders, civil society organizations, among others.
