The Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process is constrained to react to the allegation aired on Inspiration Radio FM, Uyo on the 23rd of April 2018 by Mr. David Udo, the Chief Executive Officer of DEKAN INDUSTRIES LIMITED of having been defrauded by the Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process as regards the rent payment for the use of DEKAN INDUSTRIES LTD premises, to house the AKEES TOOTH –PICK AND PENCIL FACTORY established by the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Bureau in 2016.
Whilst, it may be unnecessary to join issues with Mr. David Udo, it has become expedient to lay bare the facts to the discerning public as regards the relationship, interactions and transactions that existed between Mr. David Udo (DEKAN INDUSTRIES LTD), owner of the premises where AKEES TOOTH-PICK AND PENCIL FACTORY is situated and the Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process. This is for record purpose and to absolve the Bureau of the said allegation.
(1) When Mr. David Udo was approached for the use of an ”empty” land in his premises to establish the TOOTH-PICK AND PENCIL FACTORY, he gladly and heartily said he would give the land rent-free to show his support for the DAKKADA philosophy especially for the youths, adding that he desires to see the place become an industrial hub.
(2) Despite attempts at convincing him to stipulate and negotiate a price for rent and to also draw up an agreement plan, he still insisted that he gives out the land RENT-FREE AND AS SUCH, THERE WAS NO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES.
(3) Buildings and all operational necessities were erected in the land by the State government to house the AKEES PENCIL AND TOOTH-PICK FACTORY to make it functional.
(4) Following plans by the State Government to establish a PLASTIC FACTORY within the same premises, Mr. David Udo was again approached to rent out one of his warehouse to house the proposed Plastic factory. This time around, he stipulated a said amount which unfortunately did not go down well with the State Government, who then decided to acquire a permanent site at another location to situate the Plastic Factory and the already established PENCIL AND TOOTH-PICK FACTORY.
(5) Due to the failure of Mr. David Udo to convince the State Government to pay the stipulated rent for the establishment of the PLASTIC FACTORY, Mr. David Udo suddenly turned around and insisted that rent should now be paid for the land on which the Toothpick and Pencil Factory was built.
(6) In its magnanimity, the State Government agreed to pay ₦4 million each for four (4) years instead of two (2) years totaling ₦16 million. It can be recalled that AKEES TOOTH-PICK AND PENCIL FACTORY was established in June 2016.
The State Government also decided to let go of the AKEES buildings (instead of renting out) to Mr. David Udo as an appreciation or parting gift for his willingness to partner with the State Government on the DAKKADA PHILOSOPHY.
(7) The State Government through the Accountant General paid Mr. David Udo through the Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process, the sum of ₦13.6 Million into Mr. David Udo’s account.
(8) When Mr. David sought for an explanation for the remaining ₦2.4 million, Mr. Anietie Ekwere, the Auditor in the Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process diligently explained to him that the State Government through the Accountant General’s office had deducted TAX and VAT accruing from the rent for the 4 years paid for. Mr. Ekwere even advised him to go the Accountant General’s office for clarifications.
(9) Instead of following through the Auditor’s advice, Mr. David Udo decided to write to the Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process, making claims that the agreement between him and the Bureau had been breached and therefore he had been defrauded.
(10) To amicably resolve the issue, the Bureau wrote back and advised Mr. David to produce a copy of the said agreement, if any, and statement of receipt of the money paid into his account by Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process, so that the Accountant General can look into the matter and resolve same.
(11) Unfortunately, Mr. David did not subscribe to the given advice
but instead chose to go on air on Inspiration Radio FM to say that he has been defrauded by the State Government through Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process.
(12) The Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process categorically wishes to state that it did not defraud Mr. David Udo in anyway and it takes pride in itself in following due process in all its dealings. Also, that Mr. David Udo should endeavor to visit the Accountant General’s Office so that he will see how the Taxes and VAT were calculated for the paid rent following the New Tax Guidelines.
(13) Members of the Public are advised to disregard and discountenance the allegation against the State Government and the Bureau of Technical Matters and Due Process as it is misleading, and lack substance.
