The Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) has dismissed a publication by Mr. Zik Gbemre as a baseless attempt at blackmail, labeling it a tissue of lies aimed at tarnishing the agency and the Delta State Government.
DESTMA has given Gbemre 48 hours to retract his publication or face legal action, accusing him of habitually fabricating stories to blackmail individuals, particularly government officials, without proper verification.
The controversy arose after Gbemre published an article titled “Gov Oborevwori, Please Stop The Thuggery, Extortion By DESTMA”, in which he alleged that the agency’s officials extorted a road traffic offender, Kingsley Oghwe, in Warri.
He also accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of using DESTMA as a tool for extortion through revenue collection targets.
In response, DESTMA’s Director-General, Benjamin Okiemute, NN Rtd FNIS, strongly denied the allegations during a press conference in Asaba.
He emphasized that neither he nor the governor had ever given officials any revenue targets, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to enforcing disciplined traffic culture.
Okiemute detailed the events surrounding Oghwe’s arrest, stating that he was apprehended for traffic violations, including driving without a seatbelt and obstructing traffic.
DESTMA officials followed due process by impounding his vehicle and referring him to a mobile court. According to Okiemute, Oghwe later voluntarily paid a fine but then, through Gbemre, falsely accused the agency of extortion.
The DG described Gbemre’s publication as politically motivated, defamatory, and lacking credibility, warning that if he fails to retract his claims in two national newspapers within 48 hours, DESTMA will pursue legal action.
