Edo Govt Official Refutes Alleged Plan By Okomu Palm Coy to Award Security Contract to Criminal Elements

By Timi Black

A security chief who doubled as the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State governor on Waterways and land security, Hon. Godstime Ogidigba has retracted his earlier accusation against Okomu Palm Company of alleged moves to award the security contract to suspected criminal elements in the state.

This was made available to Congress newspaper in a statement which he signed on Tuesday.

Recall, Hon. Godstime about two weeks ago in a statement dated August 17, 2022, which was titled: “Edo: Stakeholders Kick Against Award of Okomu Security Contract to criminal gang leaders” said: Some suspected criminal elements in the state were skimming for the security contract in the Okomu Palm Company (Sycamore) in the state.

The security Chief said the report was not made to defame and tarnish the image of the reputable Palm Oil Company but was done to check some unforeseen circumstances.

The statement stated: “The statement was not intended to tarnish or blackmail the image of the Okomu Oil Palm PLC, but to raise alarm for some unseen circumstances, but if my action has offended the board and management of the company, I’m indeed very sorry, please!
Accept my apology!”

He, however, assured the company of the state government’s cooperation in addressing security issues in the company’s territory and its environs.