Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday pacified Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), contractors under the aegis of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors who stormed the state Assembly complex to protest against governor Ifeanyi Okowa over debts amounting to the tune of N11 billion been owed them for the past two years.
Speaking during the protest, leader of the forum, Mr. Francis Obule, said the protest became necessary following recent actions by banks which retrieved their properties used as collateral for loans obtained, lamenting that for the past two years governor Okowa has refused to pay them for projects executed.
“Non of us have received payment for projects we executed, 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. 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”. the leader said.
Addressing the protesting contractors, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, said the state Government was not unaware of their plights as it concerns payment for projects executed.
The speaker attributed the delay to their payment to what he called dwindling resources on the government which has made it impossible to offset the backlog of debts adding that as things get 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.” the speaker assured.