WARRI: The Indigenous Contractors Forum of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has distanced itself from reports of a planned siege on the commission’s office, describing those behind the move as impersonators.
In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Engr. Ogie Samson Oritsebemigho, and made available in Warri, the group said individuals allegedly planning the protest under the guise of Urhobo contractors are unknown to the body.
The forum warned that the persons involved were attempting to create unrest and disrupt peace in the state, urging security agencies to investigate the matter.
The reaction follows a media report claiming that aggrieved contractors were planning to protest at DESOPADEC premises over alleged non-payment.
According to the forum, it maintains a cordial working relationship with DESOPADEC management and sees no reason for any disruptive action.
“Those parading themselves as Urhobo contractors are unknown to us. They are fraudsters trying to cause unrest, and security agencies should investigate them,” the statement said.
The forum further called on security authorities to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for what it described as impersonation and misinformation.
It also reassured the DESOPADEC board of its continued support and cooperation, stressing that legitimate indigenous contractors were not involved in any planned protest.
The group reiterated that those allegedly mobilising for a siege are not recognised contractors and urged the public to disregard claims suggesting otherwise.
