Isoko Youths Protest: Delta APC Slams DESOPADEC Over Alleged Diversion of N10m Social Security Fund

By James Williams 

Delta state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has lamented over the alleged diversion of N10 million Social Security Fund due to Isoko Development Union Youth Wing by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

In a press statement signed by Barr. Sylvester Imonina, Publicity Secretary (Caretaker), APC in the State on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, that the Isoko Development Union Youth Wing President, Comrade Ede Hyacinth Ewariezi, amongst other demands; “the N10 million Social Security Fund due to the Youth body from DESOPADEC on a monthly basis has been on diversion by some unscrupulous elements within the management.

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They argued that the money has been diverted since January 2021. And an undisclosed People Democratic Party (PDP) political figure of Isoko extraction is purportedly fingered in this unholy alliance.

Hear him: “There is a saying that “a threat to peace anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere”. It is a fact that Isoko ethnic Nationality is one of the most peaceful in Delta State of today but unfortunately, corrupt elements in the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (Desopadec) are now making that section of our dear State a cauldron of avoidable social and economic crisis.

“Today, being the 9th day of June, 2021, the Youth Wing of Isoko Development Union (IDU), an umbrella body of Isoko Youth, blocked the gateway to Isoko Nation (Ebor-Iyede Community) and other parts of the State. The protest has resulted in palpable tension in, and around Isoko land.

“Further information says that the political figure at the centre of the scandal, assembled some of his boys some time ago; had an understanding with the said boys wherein he gives them peanuts from the said N10m and pockets the lion shares on a monthly basis.

“The concern of Delta APC is why should Desopadec and/ or some members of its management be applying divide and rule methods amongst Isoko Youths?

“Why is the funds due to Isoko Youth, been conered by the said corrupt elements in Desopadec as alleged by the Youth? These are some of the questions begging for answers!

“There have been relative peace in some parts of Delta State, particularly Isoko areas. Therefore, any corrupt tendency that could create a panacea for unwarranted crises must be condemned in its entirety.

“Delta APC calls on the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to carry out a fact finding/investigation on the activities of some of these unscrupulous elements in Desopadec who do not mean well for the good of oil producing communities.

“The allegations and issues raised by the IDU-Youth wing against the agency should not be swept under the carpet”, Imonina, warned.