Mulade Demands Accountability for Delta State’s N465 Billion Debt
WARRI/Nigeria: Delta-born activist and National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to account for the N465 billion debt reportedly inherited from his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
Mulade, who also serves as the Patron of the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC), has urged the governor to provide evidence of the projects funded by these loans, emphasizing that the funds were approved during Oborevwori’s tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Speaking recently in Warri, where he was decorated as Patron of the Chapel, Mulade expressed skepticism over the state government’s claim of having repaid N130 billion of the debt. He questioned the transparency of the transactions, noting that as Speaker, Oborevwori played a pivotal role in approving these funds, which were supposedly allocated to specific projects.
“These were loans approved under his watch as Speaker. The governor must clarify what these funds were used for and why we are still repaying them,” Mulade said. He added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been alerted to investigate if the Delta State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, fails to fulfill its oversight duties.
Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, insisted that the Assembly must initiate a thorough investigation. He emphasized that the people of Delta State deserve to know how these funds were spent, especially since the state had to borrow an additional N40 billion shortly after Oborevwori assumed office.
Highlighting his role as a United Nations Global Peace Ambassador, Mulade asserted that his call for transparency is not politically motivated. “We are not seeking political appointments. It is our right to question the government. We will not compromise our conscience for political favors,” he declared.
Mulade further noted that his concerns extend beyond the N465 billion debt. He revealed that over N1.2 trillion in 13 percent oil derivation funds were paid to Delta State during Okowa’s administration. According to him, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) is entitled to N600 billion from these funds, yet the commission has not received the money. “DESOPADEC should not be starved of funds. The commission was created to benefit the people, and that purpose must be fulfilled,” he insisted.
The activist concluded by reiterating his commitment to holding the government accountable. “If the Delta State House of Assembly fails, we will not hesitate to involve the EFCC or ICPC to ensure these funds are used for the benefit of Deltans. These resources belong to the people, not individual pockets,” Mulade asserted.
