Calls for resignation of Chief Festus Ochonogor as the Managing Director of DESOPADEC over poor performance in office have sharply divided the stakeholders in Ndokwa nation, the ethnic group of the MD.
While some stakeholders such as: the Ndokwa Accountability Group (NAG), Concern Ndokwa Youths in Nigeria, Ndokwa National Youths Congress, and #NdokwaProject2027 are rooting for Ochonogor’s resignation another group, the Etua Elite Youths, insisted that such a call for Ochonogor’s resignation is not only mischievous but exposes the hunger for power and recognition that drives their empty noise.
The Ndokwa Accountability Group (NAG), in strong collaboration with other groups had issued a press statement signed by, Comrade Dennis Enenya, Coordinator, and Ifeokili Monday, Secretary, demanded immediate resignation of Suv. Festus Ochonogor as the Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
According to the statement: “This bold but necessary demand is rooted in Suv. Ochonogor’s consistent and blatant failure to perform his statutory responsibilities towards the oil-producing Ndokwa Nation despite occupying one of the most strategic positions meant to drive development across oil-bearing communities in Delta State. Mr. Ochonogor has demonstrated a shocking lack of will, vision, and commitment in delivering the dividends of democracy and development to the people of Ndokwa land.
Continuing: “Under his tenure, the Ndokwa Nation has witnessed unprecedented neglects, with no significant DESOPADEC projects presence in key communities such as his very own Etua and other deserving areas across Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani LGAs. This is a painful contradiction when contrasted with the track record of his predecessors, who, regardless of political affiliations, made tangible impacts by initiating and completing development projects that addressed the needs of their people.”
A disturbing allegations, according to groups, is misplaced priorities of favouring Ika ethnic group over Ndokwa.
”Even more disturbing is Ochonogor’s unjustifiable and politically motivated diversion of projects to Ika land, a region that contributes zero percent to Delta State’s oil and gas output and accordingly receives zero allocation from DESOPADEC’s derivation fund. Rather than championing the cause of Ndokwa oil-producing communities, he has chosen to serve the ego of political overlords, using Ndokwa’s 9% derivation allocation to curry political favor through the siting of projects in Ika land—an act that is economically unjust, morally repugnant, and politically disgraceful.
”This betrayal is particularly painful to the youths and stakeholders of Ndokwa, who have consistently advocated for inclusion, fairness, and developmental justice in line with the DESOPADEC Act.”
However, Etua Elite Youths, in a statement circulating on social media titled “Faceless Critics and Their Misguided Agenda” said it has become necessary to respond to the baseless and laughable demands recently circulated by a few self-styled groups who have clearly lost touch with reality.
“The so-called Ndokwa Accountability Group (NAG), Ndokwa Youths in Nigeria, Ndokwa National Youths Congress and the hashtag-driven #Ndokwaproject2027 are nothing but faceless, jobless individuals desperate for relevance in our polity.
“Their latest attempt to call for the resignation of Chief Festus Ochonogor, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, is not only mischievous but exposes the hunger for power and recognition that drives their empty noise.”
A Track Record That Speaks for Itself:
“Chief Ochonogor’s performance at DESOPADEC cannot be diminished by the bitter rants of groups without credibility or clear leadership. His tenure has brought visible development and opportunities to the Ndokwa nation, with a fair and balanced approach to project distribution across Delta State. For any objective observer, his record speaks louder than the hollow accusations of these groups.
Jobless Critics Seeking Attention:
“It is no secret that some individuals, when starved of patronage and recognition, resort to cheap propaganda to remain in the news. These so-called groups, without defined membership or identifiable structures, are nothing more than jobless loudmouths who hope to reap political relevance through blackmail.”
Misplaced Anger, Misguided Campaigns
“To accuse Chief Ochonogor of deliberately under-developing Ndokwa/Ukwuani is not only false but laughable. Such statements only reveal the ignorance of those behind them. Real development is measured in impact, sustainability, and fairness — not in cheap ethnic propaganda. It is unfortunate that rather than constructively engage, these faceless individuals prefer to chase shadows.”