By Felix Iwebunor
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has disowned online media reports that it accused the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, of extortion, and also appealed to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to call the commissioner to order.
In a disclaimer by the National President, Batare Akpomejero, and National Secretary, Richard Ntan, DAN said the publication did not emanate from its leadership or any of its authorised organs.
It further stated that it neither authorised, approved, nor issued any petition or press statement accusing Alebiosu or Mr Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The association added that it had no record of the alleged impoundment of trucks and the demand for N500,000 as reported in the publication.
Consequently, it regretted any embarrassment or reputational damage the publication might have caused the Lagos Government, the commissioner or other officials mentioned.
Moreover, the association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Meanwhile, DAN said discussions on the dredging regulations and the interpretation of the Supreme Court judgments on shoreline authority were still ongoing with relevant federal and state authorities.
