By Kasarachi Azuka, Asaba
A governor stepped in and some engineers’ jobs were saved.
Details:
Two serving engineers in the Delta State Civil Service who would have been dismissed outrightly from service, for certifying uncompleted projects, have ended up being demoted following the appeal of Gov Sheriff Oborevwori, the state governor.
Gabriel Evuarhere and Samuel Nwokolobia are engineers who issued certificates of job completion on road projects which were yet to be completed.
Evuarhere and Nwokolobia, were demoted from Deputy Director to Assistant Director and Assistant Director to Chief Engineer respectively.
The action was sequel to a letter conveying the outcome of a disciplinary committee signed by William O. Ogolokpe for the Head of Service.
Their separate dismissal letters read in parts, “That you Engr. Gabriel Evuarhere is found culpable of corruption, dishonesty, and failure to adhere to laid down procedure and thereby reduced you in rank by one salary grade level from the post of Deputy Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 16 to that of Assistant Director (Civil Engineer), SGL 15 with effect from 1st January 2024.
“That you Engr. Samuel Nwokolobia is found culpable of corruption, dishonesty, and failure to adhere to laid down procedure and thereby reduced you in rank by one salary grade level from the post of Assistant Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 15 to that of Chief Civil Engineer, SGL 14 with effect from 1st January 2024.
“Accordingly, your next promotion to the post of Deputy Director and Assistant Director will now take effect from 1st January, 2028 and 1st January, 2027 respectively.”
Gov Oborevwori had earlier cautioned that there would be no sacred cows in the quest to ensure quality projects delivery and value for money for Deltans.
The governor however appealed to the disciplinary committee, to temper justice with mercy by commuting the sentence from outright dismissal from service to reduction in rank.
He warned that subsequent offenders would face the full wrath of the law. “We are spending huge amount on projects to make Deltans happy -Oborevwori.”
In a move to prove to Deltans how committed he is to his words, Oborevwori during the 2025 maiden state executive council meeting held on February 13, 2025, approved projects worth N275 billion and mobilised contractors to the tune of 40 percent for same projects.
Charles Aniagwu, the state’s Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, told newsmen in Asaba that Oborevwori’s governance philosophy of quality, efficiency and effectiveness was responsible for the history making decisions at the council.
Aniagwu who said the projects cut across the three senatorial districts of the state, described the approvals as first in the history of the 34 years existence of the state, adding that they were record-breaking, outstanding and deafening to critics.
He is determined to ensure Deltans get value for every money spent on projects in the state.
“Not long ago, we informed you that Governor Oborevwori is not interested in joining issues with critics but will be responding to them with projects.
“These projects span different sectors targeted at giving value to our people; improving connectivity by way of roads, advancing their health by way of efforts in the health sector and, of course, urban renewal by making our cities much more liveable.
Governor Sheriff had earlier at the meeting said his administration was determined to deliver life-changing projects for the people ahead of his second year anniversary.
We have lined up humongous projects across the three senatorial districts and I urge Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fast track the process of awarding the projects in line with his administration’s MORE Agenda.
“Today is the first Exco meeting of the state this year and we are happy to make use of this dry season to achieve a lot in our infrastructure drive. Today, Deltans will know that my administration is ready to do more for them.
“We are touching all the senatorial districts and all local government areas have been carried along with the huge amounts we are spending this period.
“We are doing it so that the people will be happy and I want to advise the MDAs to make sure they fast-track the process of award of these contracts.
It however seems that the more the governor strives “to make Deltans’ happy” by awarding/executing projects, punishing erring engineers/contractors as well as launching whistle blower’s whatsapp line against poor and substandard projects delivery, the more opposition and critics are not giving up on their attack of the governor and his administration.
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