By Anastacia Eluwa, Asaba
The Deputy Senate President and Delta State All Progressive Congress, APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has promised to apply a sizeable percentage of the 13% derivation funds for the development of Oil-bearing Communities in the state if elected as governor in 2023.
The frontline governorship candidate who stated this on Wednesday when he led members of Delta APC Campaign Organisation to the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Tsola Emiko, to intimate the royal father and his chiefs on his intention to run for governor in the state, also promised to restore the lost glory of Warri.
Senator Omo-Agege also assured that oil-bearing communities would not suffer neglect if elected, adding that more funds from the 13 percent Derivation would be channelled into those areas.
While lamenting the sorry state of DESOPADEC, an agency established to address development to oil-producing communities but has sadly become an agency that is servicing the interest of few. you know better than I do how we came about the establishment of DESOPADEC, it is to ameliorate the degradation suffered as a result of oil exploration and exploitation taking place within your kingdom.
According to him; “we are not going to do things the same way, DESOPADEC of today is like there is no DESOPADEC, and I am not sure this is what the throne will support because they are basically thinking about their selfish personal affairs.
He said: “I am fully equipped to render services as governor of the state. My previous political offices have made me familiar with the issues the state is facing.
“The development on the ground in our dear state is not commensurate with what we have received. I will restore the lost glory of Warri Kingdom. The Warri we met, the Warri we grew up in, is far better than what we have now. We will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“With Bola Tinubu as president and me as governor, we will bring back Warri Port, Koko Port and Burutu Port”.
Responding, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, lauded Omo-Agege for quality representation in lawmaking and oversight.
He harped on the need for political leaders to govern with the fear of God by keeping their campaign promises.
According to him, “If Nigeria wants to move forward, the Niger Delta must be developed”.
While praying for Ovie Omo-Agege to succeed in his gubernatorial quest, he urged him to anchor his ambition on God because it is only God that enthrones a man.
