OSOPADEC is dying, needs intensive attention, Mahin/Aheri/Etikan Youth Congress beaches Governor Akeredolu to release and monitor 40% oil derivation fund accruing to the Commission
Mahin/Aheri/Etikan Youth Congress in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State, has called on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to release and monitor the statutory 40% of the 13% oil derivation fund accruing to the Ondo State Government for the rehabilitation and development of oil producing areas in the state, noting that the Commission has not embarked on tangible and sustainable projects in the past four years.
In a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the group, Comrade Femi Williams and Comrade Ehuwa Omotayo, said the inability of the Governor to commission any single project in the oil producing areas during the recent celebration of second term 100 days in office is a true manifestation of the total neglect of the mandate areas.
The group also noted that the incapability of the Commission to execute and commission any tangible project in the mandate areas for the past four years is a signal that the Commission is garnishing for death which calls for rapid attention of Mr. Governor and bring her to life for effective operation.
In a statement made available to Coastal Renaissance online after the congress’s meeting held in collaboration with different youth organisations from Ilaje Constituency II in Igbokoda recently, appealed to the Governor to release and monitor 40% oil derivation accruing to the commission.
“OSOPADEC is dying, she needs rapid attention of Mr. Governor by releasing the statutory fund accruing to the commission and also monitor and ensure the funds are used judiciously.
“Part III, section 7 (i) a & b function of the OSOPADEC Act which says, “the Commission shall receive and administer exclusively the 40% of the 13% oil derivation fund accruing to the Ondo State Government for the rehabilitation and development of oil Producing areas in the state; and other developmental projects as may be determined from time to time by the Commission”.
The group however expressed pains over the continuous neglect of the oil producing areas despite the 40% of the 13% oil derivation fund accruing to the Ondo State Government for the rehabilitation and development of the areas.
“We believe that the Governor is a father who can father his children, so, we are not going to fight him for now but just calling his attention to the marginalisation and injustice done to the mandate areas which demands immediate attention”.
The group appealed to the Governor to call Commissioner for Finance, Accountant General, Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Finance and other government related personnel to order against unnecessary delay in releasing OSOPADEC funds. She then urged the Governor to warn them against mismanagement, misappropriation and diversion of the OSOPADEC fund.
“We want to appeal to the Governor to give OSOPADEC life as a matter of urgency and liberate her from the present financial incapacitation she finds herself”.
