UNMASKING THE TRUTH: A REBUTTAL TO THE DICF BASELESS SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST DESOPADEC

A misguided and baseless attack against the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has emerged, orchestrated by a faction of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum (DICF).

As a dedicated member of the forum, I find it imperative to address this reckless publication and bring clarity to the situation. My decision to remain anonymous stems from a deep concern for personal security, knowing the lengths to the which the Chairman, Engr Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho and the Secretary, Prince Charles Ebigbagha and their cronies can go to silence dissent and accountability. These individuals—driven by selfish motives and petty politics are attempting to tarnish the corporate image of DESOPADEC and derail its developmental strides.

The accusations made in the publication are deliberately misleading and fail to paint the full picture. The claim that DESOPADEC’s management engages in ill-treatment of contractors overlooks critical facts. It is no secret within our forum that several of those behind this smear campaign has failed to fulfill their contractual obligations. Many projects have been abandoned or executed in a substandard manner.

DESOPADEC, as a responsible agency, has every right to withhold payments for incomplete or poorly executed jobs. To suggest otherwise is to demand that the commission reward negligence and inefficiency.

Furthermore, the issue of payment variations, which has been a major talking point in the publication, deserves context. The contractors making these demands are primarily those who left their projects dormant for years. These delays, caused by their own inaction, coincided with inflationary pressures, leading to increased costs. Now they expect the commission to foot the bill for their lack of diligence.

DESOPADEC cannot and should not indulge such recklessness. It is crucial to understand that while inflation is a legitimate concern, it does not absolve contractors of their responsibility to complete projects within the stipulated timeframes. Those who have diligently executed their contracts can testify that DESOPADEC has remained committed to honouring its obligations, even amidst financial constraints.

The publication also highlights the challenges faced by contractors due to delays in payments, citing accrued loan interests as a significant burden. However, this claim is both untrue and not presented in its true light. The narrative is a fictitious fabrication by the chairman, secretary, and their cronies, who have, under the guise of "I’m a DESOPADEC contractor," obtained large loans from banks for engagements entirely unrelated to their contracts with DESOPADEC. These dubious financial practices are the real source of their financial woes. It is imperative that banks and relevant security agencies investigate these activities thoroughly to unveil the truth. These claims are part of a calculated effort to shift blame and distract from the irresponsible actions of these individuals.

The motives behind this campaign become even clearer when one examines the current state of the DICF. The forum, once a united body, has been fractured by the divisive actions of its leadership. Engr. Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho and Prince Charles Ebigbagha, the chairman and secretary respectively, have used their positions to push a political alignment that does not reflect the collective interests of the group. This recent attack on DESOPADEC is nothing more than a calculated attempt to undermine the commission and score political points for their new alliances. Many members of the forum, including myself, do not support this approach but remain silent out of fear of retribution. It is disheartening that a group created to represent the interests of indigenous contractors has been hijacked for personal and selfish gains.

DESOPADEC’s track record speaks for itself. The commission has consistently delivered impactful projects across Delta State, ranging from road constructions and educational facilities to healthcare centers and community empowerment initiatives. These projects are a testament to the commission’s commitment to improving the lives of people in oil-producing areas. It is unfortunate that instead of acknowledging these achievements, some members of DICF have chosen to misrepresent the agency’s efforts.

The platform that published this defamatory article is a known purveyor of misinformation, consistently prioritizing sensationalism over factual reporting. By aligning with this dubious platform, the faction within DICF has shown a blatant disregard for truth and accountability. Their actions not only undermine DESOPADEC but also harm the reputation of all contractors associated with the forum. The public must see through this charade and recognize it for what it is: a selfish and politically motivated smear campaign.

It is crucial that we, as members of DICF, rise above this divisive behavior brought about by Engr Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho, Prince Charles Ebigbagha and focus on constructive engagement with DESOPADEC. Constructive dialogue, not baseless accusations, is the key to addressing genuine concerns.

Contractors who fulfill their obligations have nothing to fear, as the commission has demonstrated a commitment to fairness and transparency. Let us not allow the selfish motives of a few to overshadow the progress being made in our communities.

I know as Contractor who has executed multiple jobs for DESOPADEC, that the commission remains a vital institution, dedicated to uplifting the lives of Delta State’s oil-producing communities. While it may not be perfect, it continues to make significant strides in development despite the challenges it faces. This baseless attack, driven by political ambition and personal gain, should not detract from the commission’s noble mission. As a concerned member of DICF, I stand firmly against this smear campaign and urge all well-meaning individuals to do the same. Together, we can ensure that the truth prevails and that DESOPADEC continues to be recognized as one of the foremost government interventionist agency in Nigeria and to deliver on its mandate for the benefit of all.

Signed,

A Concerned Member of DICF (Anonymously for Security Reasons)

×