ASABA/Nigeria: The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has dismissed claims that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) is being starved of funds under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, describing such allegations as false, misleading, and lacking in factual substance.
Dr. Oghenesivbe made the clarification on Sunday while reacting to a statement by a social media commentator, Chief Zik Gbemre, who alleged that the commission had been underfunded by the state government. The Bureau chief described Gbemre’s assertions as “unfounded, unwarranted, and devoid of constructive criticism,” stressing that DESOPADEC has continued to receive its statutory allocations in full and has been effectively managed by seasoned professionals under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori.
According to Dr. Oghenesivbe, the N8.4 billion recently released by the state government to the commission was not new funding but a deliberate intervention by the governor to clear outstanding debts owed to DESOPADEC contractors by previous administrations. He said the governor’s decision to offset the inherited liabilities demonstrated his proactive approach to governance and his commitment to sustaining peace and development in oil-producing communities.
“The governor did nothing wrong by defraying inherited debts of DESOPADEC,” Oghenesivbe said. “That’s exactly what is expected of a transformational leader. The intervention was not aimed at attracting praises but to inform Deltans that a lingering debt crisis of N8.4 billion between DESOPADEC and its contractors has been resolved. This move connotes good governance, and it is only fair for any right-thinking Deltan to commend the governor for a job well done.”
He emphasized that the Oborevwori administration has maintained a steady funding structure for the commission, ensuring that development projects across oil-bearing communities continue without disruption. He added that the funds released were part of the government’s broader commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency in handling inherited obligations.
Dr. Oghenesivbe also reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to the MORE Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security — which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision. He noted that the governor’s inclusive governance style and fiscal prudence have strengthened the state’s financial stability and public trust.
“Governor Oborevwori’s leadership continues to set new standards by righting past wrongs and promoting efficiency in governance,” he stated. “He is a compassionate leader who believes in measurable performance, accountability, and the free flow of progressive ideas that drive results.”
The Bureau chief, however, advised Chief Gbemre and other commentators to ensure accuracy in their public statements, warning against the dissemination of falsehoods capable of misleading the public or inciting disaffection.
“It has become crystal clear that Chief Zik Gbemre is not situating his criticism correctly or appropriately,” Oghenesivbe cautioned. “This is not good for his image or public reputation. We urge him to avoid spreading misinformation capable of creating unnecessary tension or discrediting genuine efforts at development.”
He further reminded members of the public that existing laws criminalize libel, defamation, cyberstalking, and other forms of character assassination, noting that such infractions could attract sanctions.
Dr. Oghenesivbe assured Deltans that Governor Oborevwori’s administration remains focused on its development agenda and will continue to implement policies that promote accountability, peace, and prosperity across all sectors of the state’s economy.
“Chief Gbemre’s claims are unfounded and misleading,” he reiterated. “DESOPADEC is well-funded, well-managed, and operating under the supervision of professionals who understand the governor’s vision for inclusive and equitable development. The general public, especially Deltans, should disregard such unwarranted outbursts and support the government’s ongoing reforms for the greater good.”
