The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Indigenous Contractors Forum has dismissed reports that some Urhobo contractors are planning to besiege the commission, describing those behind the move as impostors and not genuine contractors.
According to the forum, the individuals involved are unknown to them and are merely hoodlums attempting to stir trouble and disrupt the peace of the state.
In a statement issued today and signed by its Chairman, Engr. Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho, the forum stated clearly that the masterminds of the publication are not recognized members of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum.
The forum said those presenting themselves as Urhobo contractors have no affiliation with the body, describing them as fraudsters bent on causing unrest. It called on security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly. The forum emphasized that it currently enjoys a cordial working relationship with the management of DESOPADEC and sees no reason whatsoever to disrupt the activities of the commission.
According to the statement, the individuals behind the planned protest are strangers to the forum, and the publication does not represent its views. The forum urged the management of DESOPADEC to employ all lawful means to address the situation and deal decisively with those allegedly planning to lay siege on the commission’s secretariat over claims of non-payment, stressing that they are not genuine contractors.
The forum further appealed to security agencies to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for impersonation, reiterating that they are not known members of the forum.
The DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum reaffirmed its full support and cooperation with the commission’s management, maintaining that those planning the protest are not contractors but impostors.
Speaking on behalf of its members, the forum also informed the general public and DESOPADEC that a protest is being planned by individuals falsely claiming to be contractors from the Urhobo ethnic nationality. It clarified that these individuals are not contractors and that the forum is not involved in or associated with the planned action, while reassuring the DESOPADEC board of its continued support and cooperation.
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