The Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on DESOPADEC, Honourable Emomotimi Guwor, has stressed the need for sustainable peace and development in oil producing communities across the state.
Speaking on the task before his Committee, Honourable Guwor, who represents Warri South West in the House, said the State House of Assembly would continue to encourage efforts by the state government to mitigate the challenges faced by impacted communities of oil exploration and exploitation.
The Lawmaker stated that DESOPADEC as an interventionist agency of the state government had the mandate to help alleviate the sufferings of the people of oil and gas producing communities in the state.
Honourable Guwor noted that his Committee in carrying out its oversight function would ensure that the Commission remained focused on its mandate.
He said the bottom-top approach introduced by the new board to generate projects by holding town hall meetings was commendable, stressing that DESOPADEC remained a channel for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
The Lawmaker, who emphasized the need for prudent management of funds accruing to DESOPADEC, said he was in a familiar terrain having come from an oil producing community and as a pioneer staff member of DESOPADEC and Special Assistant to a one time Commissioner on the board of the Commission.
Honourable Guwor explained that he was a part and parcel of the pains of the oil bearing communities and pointed out that project prioritization was a key area to be addressed.
He said his Committee would closely monitor the budgeting process of the commission, implementation and performance, aimed at ensuring equity in the ethnic nationalities of oil and gas production in the state among others.
The Lawmaker expressed optimism that the new board, whose members he said were familiar with the workings of the government of Delta State, would collaborate effectively with the Committee to reposition DESOPADEC for better performance.
Honourable Guwor encouraged all stakeholders to be patient with members of the new board, stating that they would soon come out with their budget which would be grassroots driven.
He further stressed that sustainable peace in oil bearing communities across the state was key in actualizing government’s commitment to returning Delta State to the number one position in oil production among comity of oil producing states.
The Lawmaker enjoined all to always channel their grievances properly when the need arose and to avoid any form of rancor and remain agents of peace and positive change.
ASAGBASHIP THRONE OF ASABA: Who The Cap Fits