The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), a non-governmental organization, has condemned recent attacks on the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), describing them as “propaganda” driven by political interests.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Prince Obaro Unuafe, CGG said it was worried about the growing criticisms of the interventionist agency, especially against its Managing Director, Chief Festus Ochonogor, and Chairman, Hon. John Nani.
CGG stressed that DESOPADEC was established by law to serve oil-producing communities in Delta State and was restructured in 2015 to strengthen accountability. The current management, it said, is working under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which emphasizes fiscal discipline, development, and zero tolerance for corruption.
According to the group, in the last two years DESOPADEC has completed projects across several sectors, including:
60 roads and jetties delivered.
Health centres built in Egbokodo, Ode-Itsekiri, Ugbori, Orugbo, and an expanded facility at Utagba-Unor.
A maternity ward constructed at Koko General Hospital.
Over 50 houses built in Ajansan, Oboghoro, Koko, Tuomo, and Ogheye-Egboroke.
More than 55 schools built or renovated, including Iwere College, Azama Zion Primary School, and Beach Secondary School.
Skill empowerment programs with grants of N500,000 for youths and N100,000 for women, along with equipment such as laptops, tailoring machines, and generators.
Provision of transformers, solar streetlights, and water facilities in host communities.
The group said the management has also set up monitoring teams to prevent abandoned projects and ensure contractors deliver quality work.
Responding to allegations targeted at Chief Ochonogor, CGG described him as a seasoned politician with a clean track record, having served as PDP Organizing Secretary, Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, and Commissioner for Housing. It argued that the smear campaign is politically motivated, possibly linked to the 2027 elections.
On Hon. John Nani, the current DESOPADEC Chairman, CGG highlighted his background as a former Commissioner for Environment and Executive Director in the Commission, calling him an “experienced administrator.”
The group dismissed bloggers and “hired media agents” behind the criticisms, saying their actions amount to sabotage. It urged them to stop distracting the Commission from its development work.
“Criticism is part of governance, but when it is baseless and politically motivated, it becomes sabotage,” the statement said.
CGG noted that DESOPADEC still enjoys support from key stakeholders such as HOSTCOM and insisted the Commission has not deviated from its mandate. It passed a vote of confidence on the management, urging Deltans to focus on truth and avoid propaganda.
“The Governor of Delta State, known for integrity and fiscal discipline, would not allow a failing Commission under his watch,” CGG added.
