PRODA workers back Ag DG’s anti-graft moves

Workers at the Project Development Institution (PRODA), Enugu State, yesterday, praised the courage of their Acting Director General, Dr. Fabian Okonkwo, for fighting alleged deep-seated corruption in the institute.

They alleged that the institute, which was the research and development arm of the defunct Republic of Biafra, had been bedevilled by corruption over the years, which was responsible for its stunted growth.

At a rally to welcome the DG, who visited the House of Representatives probe committee with the board and management of PRODA, Chairman of Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRAI) in PRODA, Gabriel Ohiomi, and leaders of sister unions, condemned the reported witch-hunting of the DG for fighting the rot in the institution.

Ohiomi said: “We thank you all for coming out en masse to welcome our indefatigable acting DG. A lot has been said within the media space to malign his person, but we remain unbowed and unbroken. He stands for the truth. Our acting DG is a man of integrity, and nobody anywhere can soil his name because of some powerful persons in politics who have interest in PRODA.

“This is to assure you that the whole population of PRODA is solidly behind you; they are aware of the good things you are doing and the feathers you are ruffling.”

Other union leaders, including Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) and Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCN), said the acting DG was doing a good job, accusing those currently facing financial probe of working to scuttle his good works.