By Our Correspondent
The Delta State Government on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to address plight of unpaid Contractors to Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), pleading with them to be calm.
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon (Chief) F.O. Sheriff Oborevwori (JP) while addressing aggrieved contractors under the aegis of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum at the entrance of the Assembly Complex, said the State Government was not unaware of the plight of unpaid contractors.
According to him, the effect of dwindling resources on the government had resulted in the inability to offset the backlog of debts adding that as things got better the issue will be efficiently addressed.
First of all, we must commend you for being peaceful. We have listened to your complains. Your coming will spur us to ensure timely intervention. The economy has not helped matters. We have not forgotten you. Your issue will be looked into. As things get better, your interest will be among the front burner of our decisions”, he added.
Earlier, leader of the forum, Comrade Francis Obule, said the protest became necessary following recent actions by banks which retrieved their properties used as collateral for loans obtained.
While lamenting that for the past two years neither of them had received payment for projects they executed, Comrade Obule said that;” Mr Speaker, I know that you are a man with a large heart and you also have listening ears hence we came here today for you to address our plight. We know that you will not allow us to die”.
He added that;”We have only seen cases of selective payments. Interest for loans we took are accruing. Even if some of us are paid today, accrued interest will wipe everything out. We have lost property and wives. Some of us are single parents. Our families are hungry.We are passing through pains. The banks are on our necks. Mr Speaker, help us out of this situation We are here to plead with you to prevail on the governor”.
