Lockdown: DESOPADEC CEO, Ogieh, charges Deltans to cooperate, obey govt directives

The managing director and chief executive officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Developmental Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has charged Delta residents to obey and cooperate with the COVID-19 lockdown directives by the Delta State government.

A statement signed by the DESOPADEC boss and made available to THE WITNESS on Friday further urged Deltans to be law-abiding and respect all delegated authorities deployed to manage the COVID-19 crisis in the state.

“I plead that we continue to cooperate with the security agencies to avoid endangering our lives and that of our dear ones,” the statement said.

Ogieh further expressed sadness and regret over the reported killing of Joseph Pessu, a Warri resident, by soldiers enforcing the lockdown in the state.

“The reported skirmish that led to an avoidable death in Warri is regrettable.

“Every life is dear to us and we therefore urge the heads of all the security agencies to call their operatives to order and advise them to be civil when they engage any of us who may breach His Excellency’s order, which was made to save lives, in the first instance.

“I also remind us that we should continuously follow all safety procedures in our homes while the order persists.

“And while we are at home, let us take steps to remain fit and healthy. Stay safe,” Ogieh said.