In line with the present administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, the Commissioner representing Delta State in the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo has warned contractors who have been awarded contracts and mobilized by the Commission and have abandoned such jobs to mobilize immediately to site or be ready to vomit the money they have collected.
Mr. Ifowodo gave this warning while addressing the Isoko people on the occasion of a grand reception organized in his honour at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area.
Said he: “Therefore, the starting point is to ensure that every kobo that is given out for a contract is devoted for the execution of that contract. So, I said that all those who have been given contracts and have abandoned them are no better than what we called witches. A witch does not believe in the progress of another person. I don’t believe in witches, I believe in science. But I know that our elders have a saying that what we call witchcraft is actually wickedness.
“These people have been wicked to Isoko land, they have been wicked to Delta State, they have been wicked to Niger Delta. And my task as the Commissioner representing Delta State on the board of the NDDC, is to make sure that all those who have stolen our money and abandoned contracts, they will vomit the money.
“But they have a choice. If they don’t want to vomit the money, as from tomorrow they can go back to site, they can start building the roads, they can start building the hospitals, they can start building the schools, they can start building the water projects, they can start sending our children for scholarships. If they don’t do that they must vomit the money.”
According to the Commissioner, the ongoing fight against corruption which has gone up to the level of the Supreme Court is not a joking matter, adding that Nigeria is poor, miserable and under-developed because of corruption, noting that the development of the Niger Delta is for the people of the area and not for other Nigerians from elsewhere.
“If we develop the Niger Delta, it is for us and not for any other person. Therefore, you must join me because corruption will fight back. But when corruption fights back and you stand with me, we will hold them by the throat until they have vomited every naira that they have stolen. Then we can use that money to build our roads, build our schools, we can use it to bring light, we can use it to create employment. That is my message and that is what I was asked by the board of the NDDC to deliver to you Isoko people; that we are serious to make sure that the NDDC does what it is established to do”, the Commissioner said.
Earlier, Dr. Ifowodo was conferred with the title of Ogbah I (Strong man) of Oleh kingdom, by HRM Anthony Williams Ovrawa, the Odiologbo of Oleh kingdom in his palace in recognition of the contributions of the Commissioner to the Isoko nation and as a mark of honour for the recent appointment.
Present at the ceremony were dignitaries from within and outside the state including the leader of the APC in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor who was the guest of honour at the occasion, Chief Joe Arausi (the chairman of the ceremony), an array of traditional rulers from across Isoko land and beyond, Delta State APC chairman, Prophet Jones Erhue, former chairman of Ethiope West Local Government chairman, Chief Dr. Wilson Omene, AIG. Felix Ogbaudu (rtd), Hon. Silas Bouwe, among others.
