Delta State Government Demotes Engineers Over Fraudulent Project Certification

The Delta State Government has demoted two engineers for issuing false certificates of completion for road projects that were yet to be finished.

Engr. Gabriel Evuarhere and Engr. Samuel Nwokolobia, who served in senior roles, 6 downgraded following the findings of a disciplinary committee. Evuarhere, previously a Deputy Director, was reduced to Assistant Director, while Nwokolobia, an Assistant Director, was demoted to Chief Engineer.

The decision was outlined in official letters signed by William Ogolokpe, on behalf of the Head of Service.

According to the letters, both engineers were found guilty of “corruption, dishonesty, and failure to adhere to laid down procedures.” Evuarhere’s rank was lowered from Deputy Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 16 to Assistant Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 15, while Nwokolobia was demoted from Assistant Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 15 to Chief Civil Engineer (SGL 14). Both demotions took effect from 1st January 2024.

ALSO READ: Delta Govt to Disburse ₦1 Billion Loan Scheme for MSMEs

The letters further clarified that the engineers’ next promotions would be delayed. Evuarhere’s promotion to Deputy Director will now occur in January 2028, while Nwokolobia’s promotion to Assistant Director is postponed until January 2027.

At a recent event in Asaba, Oborevwori urged the disciplinary committee to show leniency, reducing the potential punishment from dismissal to demotion.

However, he warned that future misconduct would result in more severe penalties.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier stressed that the administration would tolerate no complacency in the pursuit of quality public projects and value for money.