I was never invited by EFCC — OSOPADEC boss

The Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Hon. Biyi Poroye, on Wednesday distanced himself from reports alleging that he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Poroye, who officially assumed office as the head of OSOPADEC about a month ago, clarified that the EFCC’s invitation was not directed at him personally but at the institution he now leads.

The EFCC’s invitation to OSOPADEC, which was contained in a letter dated 23 June and reported by a media outfit (not Nigerian Tribune), was said to relate to contracts awarded by the commission since 2018.

It was gathered that the EFCC requested documents including lists of contracts from 2018 to date, their status, companies involved, payment details, and bidding records.

But Poroye, while dismissing the report, described it as misleading, false, and a calculated attempt to cause distraction. He said insinuations linking him to the EFCC probe amounted to deliberate blackmail and misinformation aimed at slowing down his reforms.

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Poroye said:
“Let me make it clear: I have not been invited by the EFCC. The ongoing investigation people are referring to predates my appointment and has nothing to do with me as a person.

“The petition in question covers a period from 2018, long before I was sworn in, and the commission had already responded accordingly.”

He noted that the EFCC’s inquiries predated his tenure, stressing that he had not committed any offence. Quoting the Bible, he said:
“Neither the sons have committed any crimes. I was not in office at the time and cannot be held accountable for matters that occurred before my appointment,” he maintained.

The OSOPADEC boss said he inherited numerous challenges on assumption of duty, including abandoned projects, staff welfare concerns, and lingering disputes that require urgent restructuring if the commission is to deliver on its mandate.

He said:
“Our focus is on repositioning OSOPADEC to meet its purpose as an interventionist agency. Unlike conventional ministries where bureaucracy slows processes, OSOPADEC was designed to respond to emergencies in oil-producing communities, and that is what we are working to restore.”

According to him, since resumption of office, he has directed attention to completing abandoned projects worth billions of naira across mandate areas as instructed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

He also highlighted ongoing familiarisation tours, engagements with stakeholders, and the adoption of alternative dispute resolution methods that have saved the commission millions of naira.

He explained that other measures undertaken by the commission include sourcing funds through partnerships with interventionist agencies, payment of bursaries and scholarships, grants to the aged and vulnerable, and improving staff welfare through training and capacity building.

“We have insisted that staff must embark on training and attend conferences to build capacity. We are also introducing creative concepts to drive the system and ensure efficiency.

“No amount of blackmail, systematic manipulation, administrative bottlenecks, or misinformation can distract me or slow me down.

“The spirit to perform is high, the will to deliver is active, and our capacity to navigate challenges is clear. Above all, the leadership strength of Mr Governor continues to inspire and encourage us,” he declared.

Poroye assured residents of oil-producing communities that his administration would remain focused on its responsibilities and would not allow external pressures to derail its mission of service and development.

“I am determined to complete abandoned projects, deliver new interventions, and reposition OSOPADEC to fulfil its mission.

“The people of our mandate areas are my priority, and nothing will derail that commitment,” he concluded.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE