Imo; Oru-East Unfit for ISOPADEC Managing Director says Maduba

Austin Okoro

An activist and community leader, Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis also known as Oluimo has condemned the recent appointment made by the Governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma where he appointed someone from Oru East LGA as the Managing Director of the Imo state oil producing areas development commission ISOPADEC.

He stated this in a press release of Thursday 30th January 2025, and made available to the press.

Prince Maduba the media Aide to the immediate past Managing Director of ISOPADEC , has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the recent reconstitution of the board.

He specifically voiced strong objections to the appointment of an individual from Oru East Local Government Area as the Managing Director of the Commission arguing that the appointment is not only a deviation from the original legal framework that established ISOPADEC but also a decision that fails to consider the true developmental needs of oil-producing communities in Imo State.

The activist, while acknowledging the Governor’s bold move in reshaping the ISOPADEC board, questioned the logic behind selecting someone from Oru East to head the Commission, given the LGA’s low oil and gas output.

According to OluImo, Oru East’s minimal contribution to the state’s oil production—an essential factor in determining eligibility for leadership positions within ISOPADEC—makes it “immature” to hold such a critical post.

He further emphasized that Oru East’s oil and gas reserves have not been properly gazetted by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) or the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which raises doubts about the LGA’s standing in the broader oil-producing context.

OluImo went on to assert that the Governor, as an indigene of Oru East, should have considered ceding the position of Managing Director to Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, another oil-rich region with a stronger legal and legislative framework.

He argued that this would have better aligned with the purpose of ISOPADEC, which is to support and develop the oil-producing communities in the state.

By selecting Oru East, he believes the Governor risks undermining the spirit of the Commission’s establishment and neglecting the interests of more deserving regions like Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta, which have borne the brunt of the environmental and social hazards linked to oil production.

In addition to his concerns about the appointment, OluImo also condemned the manner in which Princess Ikegwuruka, the former Acting Managing Director of ISOPADEC, was removed from office.

He described her sudden demotion—from Acting Managing Director to an ordinary board member—as not only unjust but also a deliberate humiliation of the people of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta.

Oluimo expressed his disappointment that such a decision was made without proper regard for the dignity and contributions of these oil-producing communities, particularly as Ikegwuruka had led the Commission effectively and with respect for the region’s developmental needs.

OluImo’s statements have sparked significant conversation among local stakeholders and political observers in Imo State.

While some applaud the Governor’s decision to reconstitute the ISOPADEC board in an effort to revitalize the Commission and enhance its operations, others like OluImo and other stakeholders feel that the reshuffling undermines the very essence of ISOPADEC’s creation.

Which is to support the communities whose lands are rich in oil and natural resources but often face neglect in terms of development.

“As the dust continues to settle around the reconstitution of the ISOPADEC board, it remains to be seen how the Governor and other key stakeholders will respond to the growing concerns of community leaders like OluImo, who call for a more inclusive, equitable, and legally grounded approach to leadership appointments in the Commission.

“In the coming days, it is expected that there will be increased dialogue and possibly some form of intervention to address the contentious issues raised by the reorganization of the ISOPADEC board, particularly as it pertains to the rights and development of oil-producing communities in Imo State”, Oluimo stated.

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