By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has declared that his administration will not tolerate any government official certifying uncompleted or poorly executed projects for payment.
The Governor made this statement on Sunday during the retirement thanksgiving service of Mrs. Joy Enwa, the Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General of the Delta State Ministry of Finance. The event took place at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that his administration is committed to ensuring that Deltans receive full value for every project executed by the state government. He revealed that two engineers have already been issued queries for certifying uncompleted projects, underscoring his commitment to accountability and due process.
Speaking on the theme of the homily, “The Choice of a Good Name,” the Governor expressed his appreciation for the message, urging civil servants to avoid actions that could jeopardize their careers.
“This message aligns perfectly with what I have been addressing in the past week. It is a wake-up call for all civil and public servants,” Oborevwori said.
He added:
“Since I assumed office, I have fulfilled all that civil servants have required of me. For instance, after the removal of fuel subsidies, we paid transport allowances for three months, settled promotion arrears of over N5.6 billion, and were the first to announce and implement the new national minimum wage.
“Despite this, some civil servants have acted unethically. Two of them have already been queried for certifying incomplete jobs, leading to payments. Their names will be announced next week, and we will follow due process. In this government, if you perform well, you will be given more opportunities to excel.”
The Governor also congratulated Mrs. Enwa on her successful career and retirement, noting that the caliber of people who attended her thanksgiving was a testament to her exemplary service.
In his sermon titled “The Choice of a Good Name,” Bishop of the Diocese of Asaba, Rt. Rev’d Kingsley Obuh, encouraged everyone in positions of trust to prioritize integrity and leave behind an honorable legacy. He highlighted that a good name is earned through honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity.
While congratulating Mrs. Joy Enwa on her retirement, the Bishop urged her to continue embodying the virtues that endeared her to many during her service. He also commended Governor Oborevwori for his achievements across various sectors and encouraged him to stay focused on his MORE agenda.
The Bishop concluded by advising Mrs. Enwa to dedicate her remaining years to serving God and humanity, further emphasizing that no position is permanent and that lasting legacies are built through acts of integrity and service.