In a move to enforce accountability, the Delta State government has demoted two engineers involved in fraudulent practices related to road project certifications. The engineers, Gabriel Evuarhere and Samuel Nwokolobia, were found guilty of issuing certificates for road projects that had not been completed.
Evuarhere, previously a Deputy Director, was demoted to Assistant Director, while Nwokolobia’s rank was reduced from Assistant Director to Chief Engineer. These demotions were formalized in a letter detailing the findings of a disciplinary committee, signed by William Ogolokpe on behalf of the Head of Service.
The letter, which was made public by SaharaReporters, states: “Engr. Gabriel Evuarhere is found culpable of corruption, dishonesty, and failure to adhere to procedures, reducing his rank from Deputy Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 16 to Assistant Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 15, effective January 1, 2024.”
Similarly, “Engr. Samuel Nwokolobia is found guilty of similar offenses and is demoted from Assistant Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 15 to Chief Civil Engineer, SGL 14, effective January 1, 2024.”
The letter further indicated that their next promotions would be delayed, with Evuarhere’s to take place in 2028 and Nwokolobia’s in 2027.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had recommended a more lenient approach, urging the disciplinary committee to reduce the penalty from dismissal to demotion, emphasizing the importance of fairness in the process.
At a recent event in Asaba, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring quality project delivery, insisting that anyone found guilty of corruption would face serious consequences. Future offenders, he warned, would not escape strict punishment under the law.
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