Oborevwori Advocates Whistle-Blowing to Tackle Shoddy Project Execution in Delta
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for the introduction of a whistle-blower mechanism to curb poor project execution and expose fraudulent practices among contractors and civil servants.
Speaking during an interactive meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, the governor commended civil servants for their loyalty and dedication but warned against collusion with contractors to defraud the state.
He revealed that two engineers had been suspended for certifying incomplete projects for payment, stressing that the action was taken to serve as a deterrent. “All I require from you is loyalty, commitment, and dedication to duty, not personal gain. For us, it is Delta State first. We must give the best to Deltans at all times,” Oborevwori said.
Decrying the practice of issuing completion certificates for substandard work, he insisted on strict adherence to quality standards. “A situation where a superintending engineer issues a certificate for a project not completed, leading to payments, is unacceptable. If a 12mm rod is required and a lesser one is used, is that right?” he asked.
The governor maintained that as a Christian, he would temper justice with mercy but emphasized that erring officials would face strict consequences. He warned that while blacklisted contractors could move on to other ventures, civil servants found culpable risked dismissal.
To enhance transparency and accountability, Oborevwori announced plans to introduce whistle-blower hotlines, allowing citizens to report substandard projects anonymously. “If someone is constructing your road and not doing it well, you can take pictures and send them to us. Such information will be treated confidentially,” he assured.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, urging civil servants to align with his vision of advancing Delta through the MORE Agenda.
