DELTA-NEWSWATCH

The Convener of No Jobman for Governor 2023 and Spokesperson of the Organization for Human and Peoples' Rights Protection, Comrade Steven Luke, has criticized the member representing Isoko South Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, describing his election as a mistake that the people are now regretting. Speaking with newsmen in Olomoro Community, Comrade Steven Luke said that despite the many promises made before the election, there is little or nothing to show for Hon. Ferguson Onwo's representation. According to him, the people of Isoko South Constituency II have not experienced the expected dividends of democracy, as many communities still lack basic amenities and meaningful development. He further stated that even Hon. Ferguson Onwo's own community has seen little improvement since he assumed office, adding that if his hometown has not benefited from his representation, it raises concerns about the level of development ...

  Niger Delta has extended heartfelt birthday felicitations to renowned Niger Delta leader, elder statesman and resource control advocate, Chief (Dr.) Wellington O. Okirika, CON, fondly known as "Mr. 13% Derivation Fund," in recognition of his lifelong commitment to justice, equity and the advancement of oil-producing communities in Nigeria. In a goodwill message signed by Comrade Steven Luke, the Human Rights Community described Chief Okirika as a courageous patriot, fearless advocate and one of the foremost champions of the struggle for resource control, environmental justice and the constitutional rights of host communities in the Niger Delta. According to the statement, Chief Okirika's unwavering dedication to the cause of the Niger Delta has inspired generations of activists and community leaders. His role in advocating for the constitutional recognition of the 13% Derivation Fund remains one of his most enduring legacies in Nigeria's democratic journ...

The Organization for Human and Peoples Rights Protection and Humanitarian has called on the management and board of to immediately provide Deltans with a comprehensive account of their activities and stewardship during their years in office. In a statement issued by the group's spokesperson, Comrade Steven Luke, the organization expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency and accountability regarding the utilization of funds meant for the development of oil-producing communities across Delta State. The group urged DESOPADEC to publicly present details of projects executed, funds received and expended, youth empowerment programmes, infrastructure development, healthcare initiatives, and other interventions carried out during its tenure. According to the statement, the people of Delta State, particularly those from oil-producing communities, deserve to know how resources allocated to the commission have been managed and the impact such funds hav...

Civil society stakeholders in the Niger Delta have called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a 13 per cent Derivation Fund Board and a Presidential Monitoring Committee to ensure transparency, accountability and direct development impact in oil-producing communities. In a Democracy Day statement signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, the Niger Delta Civil Society Forum (NDCSF) faulted the position of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) that the Petroleum Industry Act had adequately addressed the developmental needs of host communities. The group described the claim as “legally flawed and misleading,” insisting that the 13 per cent derivation fund is a constitutional entitlement under Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution and cannot be replaced by the Host Community Development Fund established under the Petroleum Industry Act. “The derivation principle is constitutional compensation for oil-producing communities. It is not men...

The people of Delta State are calling on the (EFCC) to urgently launch a thorough investigation into the activities of the board members of the during their three years in office. Concerned citizens and stakeholders have raised questions regarding transparency, accountability, and the utilization of funds allocated to the commission for the development of oil-producing communities across Delta State. They are demanding a comprehensive audit and public disclosure of projects executed, contracts awarded, and the overall impact of the commission's activities on the lives of people in the mandate areas. Many Deltans believe that an independent investigation by the EFCC will help determine whether public funds were properly managed and whether the objectives for which DESOPADEC was established have been achieved. They insist that stewardship and accountability are essential in a democratic society and that public office holders must be answerable to the people. The call...

The Organization for Human and Peoples Rights Protection and Humanitarian has called on the (EFCC) to investigate the activities of the over its three years in office, alleging a lack of meaningful development projects across oil-producing communities in Delta State. In a statement issued by the organization's spokesperson, Comrade Steven Luke , the group urged the EFCC to launch a thorough probe into DESOPADEC's finances and operations. According to the statement, the commission has received billions of naira from funds allocated for the development of oil-producing communities, yet many communities have not witnessed significant infrastructural development or tangible projects. The organization expressed concern that rather than focusing on impactful development initiatives, DESOPADEC officials have allegedly been more visible attending ceremonial events and receiving chieftaincy titles across various communities and kingdoms in the state. The group therefore...