Delta State Demotes two Engineers over False Project Completion claims

In a decisive move to uphold transparency and accountability, the Delta State Government has demoted two senior engineers for issuing certificates of job completion on road projects that were yet to be finalized. The disciplinary action reflects Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to ensuring quality project delivery and maintaining integrity in public service.

The Delta State Government has sanctioned two serving engineers for acts of corruption and procedural breaches, demoting them for falsely certifying incomplete road projects as completed.

The affected officers, Engr. Gabriel Evuarhere and Engr. Samuel Nwokolobia, were demoted following the recommendations of a disciplinary committee. Engr. Evuarhere was reduced from Deputy Director (Civil Engineer), SGL 16, to Assistant Director (Civil Engineer), SGL 15, while Engr. Nwokolobia was downgraded from Assistant Director (Civil Engineer), SGL 15, to Chief Civil Engineer, SGL 14. Both demotions are effective from January 1, 2024.

The decision was communicated through letters signed by William O. Ogolokpe on behalf of the Head of Service, which cited corruption, dishonesty, and non-compliance with laid-down procedures as the basis for the disciplinary measures.

The letters further stated that the next promotion for Engr. Evuarhere and Engr. Nwokolobia would now take effect from January 1, 2028, and January 1, 2027, respectively.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had previously warned that his administration would not tolerate any compromise in the delivery of quality infrastructure, insisting that public officers found guilty of malpractice would face strict penalties.

However, in a display of compassion, the Governor intervened during the disciplinary process, appealing to the committee to temper justice with mercy. Instead of outright dismissal, he requested that the penalties be reduced to demotions, allowing the officers an opportunity for redemption.

According to Governor Oborevwori at a recent event in Asaba, said that they cannot afford to compromise on the quality of projects for Deltans. However, in this instance, he has chosen to show mercy while sending a strong message that future offenders will face the full weight of the law. 

This action underscores the Oborevwori administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and its commitment to ensuring that public funds are used responsibly. The Governor emphasized that this should serve as a warning to all public servants that malpractices would not go unpunished.

The government has also reiterated its commitment to continuous monitoring and evaluation of public projects to guarantee value for money and ensure that Deltans receive the quality of infrastructure they deserve.