–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The management of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), have cautioned individuals or groups planning to launch a campaign of calumny and blackmail against the Commission, to desist forthwith, as the claims are null and void.

A Press statement signed by Sunny Areh, Special Adviser (Media & Communication) to the MD/CEO, DESOPADEC read:

“IT has come to the attention of the management of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) that some disgruntled elements and newly formed opposition groups have planned to launch a campaign of calumny and blackmail against the Commission, using some local tabloids and social media platforms.

“These individuals have already concocted mischievous and malicious lies from the pit of hell to tarnish the image of the Commission and to hoodwink the gullible public, particularly indigenes of the oil bearing communities which fall within the mandate areas of the commission.

“One of such lies being peddled is that the Commission amongst many other frivolous allegations, illegally approved life pension for past Chairmen and Managing Directors of the Commission with a monthly payment of N5million contrary to the provisions of the DESOPADEC Act.

“They also claim that the monthly payment includes; “cost of maintenance and sustenance of four policemen as security, driver and secretary including a new model heavy jeep and a Toyota Hilux pick-up which are replaced with new ones every three years.”

“The general public is hereby put on notice that these are fabricated, outrageous lies that could only have come from detractors who never meant well for the well-being of the people of the oil bearing areas. There are no truths whatsoever in these claims and allegations.

“The Board and Management advises the public to discountenance all such malevolent claims aimed at smearing and maligning the image and reputation of the Commission while also assuring all Deltans, particularly those from the mandate areas of the Commission that the current DESOPADEC Board will continue to do all within its power in positively impacting the lives of our people and achieving the desired objectives of a Stronger Delta.”

Signed:
Sunny Areh
Special Adviser (Media & Communication) to the MD/CEO, DESOPADEC