DESOPADEC Ethnic Nationality Presidents Defend Board Against AUPCTRE Allegations

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

The Presidents of the five ethnic nationalities representing the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) – Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, and Ndokwa – have issued a strong warning to the Delta State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Empower (AUPCTRE).

In a press briefing on Monday, the ethnic leaders accused AUPCTRE, led by Mr. Lawrence Otueroro, of blackmailing the Commission and attempting to sow discord with unfounded claims about staff welfare.

The Presidents, including Mr. Akatakpo Gbesimi (Itsekiri), Olorogun Felix Ogboru (Urhobo), Engineer Felix Oyazimo (Ijaw), Nzesi Boniface Osssi (Ndokwa), Mr. Peter Ejemite (Isoko), and Mr. Isioma Brown, stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has consistently addressed the needs of DESOPADEC staff, and that the current Board has been proactive in meeting their demands.

They noted that, since November 2024, the Board has begun paying the new minimum wage for staff, and that arrears for October and November salaries have been settled.

The ethnic leaders dismissed Otueroro’s claims that the Board had failed to pay an outstanding 30 percent of staff salaries, asserting that such issues had already been resolved.

“The Board, led by Olorogun John Nani and Chief Festus Ochonogor, has addressed these concerns,” they stated, urging Otueroro to verify the facts before making public statements.

They further emphasized that the Board is worker-friendly, citing recent staff promotions and the payment of six months’ arrears. The staff also received their leave allowances in January 2025, following the successful implementation of the revised conditions of service.

On the matter of the end-of-year bonus promised by Governor Oborevwori, the Presidents explained that the Board is awaiting the Governor’s approval before proceeding with the payments.

They expressed surprise at Otueroro’s criticism, noting that he is not a staff member of the Commission and has no direct involvement in its operations.

The Presidents also commended the Board for improving the working conditions of DESOPADEC staff. They noted the upgrading of the Commission’s sick bay and the introduction of a comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, which covers a staff member, their spouse, and up to four children.

They also stressed the Board’s support for employees diagnosed with terminal illnesses, providing substantial financial assistance.

The ethnic leaders acknowledged that the Board had been responsive to staff concerns, reinstating workers who had been unjustly laid off and paying their arrears. They also revealed that the Board is working to appoint Deputy Heads of Departments and Divisional Heads by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

“The current Board of DESOPADEC has earned the praise of staff for listening to their requests and delivering on promises,” the ethnic leaders concluded. “It is unfortunate that AUPCTRE is engaging in baseless blackmail against a Board that is committed to improving the welfare of its staff.”

The ethnic Presidents warned AUPCTRE to refrain from interfering with the Commission’s activities, stating that Mr. Otueroro should not attempt to unionize the agency through improper channels.

They emphasized that the Nani-led Board is steadily implementing Governor Oborevwori’s campaign promises and that any attempts to disrupt this progress should be disregarded.