By Emma Amaize and Akpokona Omafuaire

WARRI—DELTA State Commissioner for Special Duties in charge of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Mr. Tonye Timi, has prevented a protest against the oil commission by angry contractors.

The irate contractors had concluded arrangement to lay siege to DESOPADEC, but Timi invited them to a meeting at Government House, Annex, Warri, where for over three, hours, he listened to their complaints over projects they executed for the commission.

He was said to have pacified the contractors and assured them that the government would pay their debts, but called for patience and understanding on their part.

He said: “The labourer is worthy of his wage, when there is a problem, there is always a way of addressing it. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is passionate about people’s welfare. He called this meeting to resolve the issues. He is a peace lover.

“We discussed for over three hours. They complained of delay in payment, called for proper budgeting system, multiple verification process and underhand system. We had listened to them and will pass it on to higher authorities.”

“I pleaded that they should give us time to address these issues. If people execute projects, they should be paid accordingly. Let us all work together to build this state. The governor knows your pains and he will take action.”