DESOPADEC: Group carpets detractors, insists Okpoye deserves commendation 

By Osaro Michael, Benin

Following a criticism against the recent endorsement of the commissioner, representing Ijaw nationality in the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, by Six Delta Ijaw Oil Producing Kingdoms’ Youth Councils, the Egbema Focus Group (EFG) has issued a stern warning against inflammatory remarks against the commissioner, citing that he deserved a commendation.

This comes in response to a swift reaction from a suspected youth leader, faulting the vote of confidence passed on the commissioner.

The Egbema group in a statement accused detractors of being sentimental in their reactions against the commissioner, adding that Okpoye is a blessing to the Ijaw nation as commissioner in the board of DESOPADEC, representing Ijaw nationality in the state.

An online statement by his critics described the endorsement of Hon. Spencer Okubo Okpoye as a “Wrong and unnecessary move “, stressing that the endorsement is unpatriotic to his people, emphasising that endorsements should be done based on merit and excellent performance of a leader and that Okpoye had done nothing close to that to deserve endorsement while Ogulagha Kingdom is yet to feel the positive impact of DESOPADEC under Okpoye as Commissioner representing Ijaw Ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC.

The Egbema focus group, in a statement by its leader Comrade Mingo Meshach Saya had cautioned against kingdom bias in criticising appointees, particularly within DESOPADEC.

Mingo emphasised the importance of fairness and objectivity in criticising appointees and warned against selective criticism, where individuals from certain kingdoms attack appointees from other areas while refusing to hold their own appointees accountable for their actions.

The youth leader stated that all leaders, regardless of their kingdom or background, should be evaluated on their performance and service to the people. Mingo called for unity and constructive dialogue across different Ijaw kingdoms to ensure that appointees in positions of authority work in the best interest of the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality, rather than being subjected to biased and discriminatory attacks.

The group described the attack as an unwelcome development, emphasising that Okpoye had been trying his best to serve the Ijaw people and fulfill his responsibilities in the commission. The group leader urged for constructive dialogue rather than divisive rhetorics, calling for unity and collaboration among the Ijaw youth to ensure progress for the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC,

According to the Egbema youth leader Mingo, the endorsement of Hon. Spencer Okubo Okpoye by the Ogulagha and other five Ijaw Kingdom Youth Councils was based on his notable achievements as the commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nationality on the board of DESOPADEC, adding that the Kingdom Youth Councils acknowledged Okpoye’s efforts and dedication to advancing the interests of the Ijaw people, as well as his contributions toward community development through the commission.

The group noted, “Okpoye’s tenure as commissioner of DESOPADEC has demonstrated capacity in addressing the needs of his constituents, and the Ogulagha Kingdom Youth Council and other youth Councils believe that Okpoye’s performance is justifiable. The endorsement highlights his commitment to ensuring that DESOPADEC continues to benefit the Ijaw communities and underscores the importance of merit-based recognition for leadership roles”.