Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr Askia Ogieh may have hinted a plan to wicked attacks on Nigerian citizens who are going by their honest daily activities.
The indication of such impending vicious attacks came on Monday evening during an encounter with the Editor In Chief of Secret Reporters News, Mr Fejiro Oliver and Ogieh, who is popularly known as DESOPADEC governor.
Ogieh had threatened to “deal with the reporter”.
The face-off occurred at the Delta State Government House, where the reporter had gone to monitor event for news purposes as well as congratulate the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa over his victory at the Supreme Court.
Ogieh who was introduced to the journalist quickly changed his face to that of a hardened criminal saying in pidgin English, “Na this one?”
He had said after identifying the journalist as the editor of Secret Reporters that he does not joke with journalists.
Ogieh said: “Look I no dey settle person.
“Go and ask. You can joke with anybody but not me; I will deal with you. If you do, you won’t go scot free, go and ask very well.”
He had issued the threat in a very harsh tone and walked away.
Before now, information gathered was that the executive director, who moves about in convoy of cars like a governor has told many government officials that he will deal with reporters of the investigative news medium if they don’t stop reporting his corrupt practices.
In December 2015 Ogieh had received N110m from the board as Christmas package and Youth money, but diverted a huge chunk of the sum for his personal use. He had also jetted to Dubai to frolic with women of easy virtue.
Speaking to some newspapers reporters whom he narrated the shocking incidence to, Fejiro expressed shock on how a government official could use such threatening words.
“Do you know I don’t even have this man’s number?” Fejiro said
None of my reporters called him so why is he saying I have called him to settle me?
He added, “Settle me for what when I am well to do and living well?
He has only made himself open for us to open up his corrupt files when he was a local government area Chairman, through which he stole the council blind.
“We have been quiet on him because of the interest of the powers that appointed him, but it’s time the EFCC wade in to know who the man Askia is.
“It is unfortunate that a man as gentle as Okowa appointed a man like Ogieh into his government.
“Before I will lodge a formal complaint to the security agencies, let the world know that Askia is responsible for any harm that comes to me”, Fejiro told his colleagues on phone.