Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has said the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has zero tolerance for shabby jobs and sharp practices in projects delivery.
Speaking to journalists during an unscheduled inspection of the ongoing flyover bridge at PTI Junction, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, the Commissioner emphasised that the Governor was committed to quality and would never allow anything that deviates from project specifications.
Izeze said the clarification became necessary following a viral video that trended midweek, alleging that the rods being used for the construction of flyover bridges in Effurun and Warri are 10mm in diameter, contrary to the 16mm provided in the BEME.
“The reason we are here today is to address a malicious claim that the rods being used for the project are 10 millimeters in diameter, which is simply untrue”, he declared.
Izeze continued that, “This project has been designed by some of the best engineers in the country and is being supervised by top professionals within the Ministry of Works.
“The Governor is known for his consistent commitment to quality. He supervised the construction of the Osubi Airstrip by Julius Berger over 20 years ago and has visited this site more times than I can count.
“He has closely followed every process because this project is very dear to his heart; he is dedicated to giving Warri and Uvwie a much-needed facelift.
“In his pursuit of quality projects, he has mandated that our certification process will now involve dual oversight: after the Ministry of Works certifies a project, the Special Project unit will also conduct its own certification. This illustrates his deep concern for the quality of his projects.
“He aims to leave a legacy of durable projects, xxrnot roads that will wash away after one or two rainy seasons.
“Meanwhile, someone who cannot accept the outcome of the last election has publicly alleged that this project is not being constructed according to specifications, despite not having seen the Bill of Quantities.
“We attempted to clarify the situation, but he insisted that the rods used are 10mm. As an engineer, I believe in facts: we have measured the rods with a vernier caliper, and they are 16.0mm.
“To further reinforce our position that this project will stand the test of time, every piece of steel used has been imported, which accounts for the difference in cost compared to local contractors.
“The misinformation being spread by this individual is completely unfounded, and despite our repeated explanations, he continues to spread it with enthusiasm”.
Mr. Thomas Haug, the Project Manager of Julius Berger, affirmed that the rods being used are 16mm, contrary to the speculation that they are 10mm.
He stated that all the rods are imported and not locally produced in Nigeria.
“We are working according to specifications, and we are confident that the project will stand the test of time”, he stated.

Albert Ograka,
Asaba

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, said his administration was working to leave a mark for future generations and not to please anyone but God.
Governor Oborevwori revealed this when he played host to President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, and his delegation at Government House, Asaba.
He said his administration has done a lot in the delivery of infrastructure and human capital development across the state and expressed optimism that he would continue to work for more progress and development in the state.
“We have done a lot but it is still not easy because there is hunger. Throughout the period of protest, Delta State was peaceful because we were praying during the protest.
“I am here to serve the people. I want to do what I will be remembered for so that by the time I leave, they will say he has done this and that. I am not here to please man but God”, he said.
He commended the PFN President and the church for praying and supporting his election, reiterating that Delta was peaceful throughout the protest because of the prayers of the church.
“As it is today, we need prayers so that we can succeed, especially those of us in authority. Your prayers will always guide and order our steps to do what is right at all times.
Earlier, the PFN National President, Bishop Wale Oke, told the Governor that they were in Government House to honour him in line with the Biblical injunctions.
Bishop Wale, who applauded the developmental strides of the Oborevwori’s administration in the state, said they were in the state for the dedication of the State PFN secretariat where prayers would be offered for sustained peace and development in the state.
While saying that the Delta PFN secretariat was the largest in the country, he expressed appreciation to the State Government for its role towards its realisation, even as he paid glowing tributes, especially to the Governor, for his contributions.

Albert Ograka, Asaba

The Host Communities (oil and gas producing), Delta State Chapter, has suspended its proposed protest.
This is contained in a letter jointly sihned by the State Chairman and Secretary, HOSTCOM, Comrade Sunday Enujeke, and Joseph Lamienghan, respectively, and eight others, addressed to the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
The letter reads: “The leadership of Host Communities (Oil & Gas Producing), Delta State Chapter, recalls that the organization, in its letter addressed to your Excellency, dated July 31st 2024, issued a 21-day protest notice, arising from perceived neglect of HOSTCOM and its members over the years by the State Government.
“Among our key concerns were requests for the provision of operational vehicles training and capacity building, management of the 13 percent derivation by all stakeholders, as well as rehabilitation of HOSTCOM headquarters and ICT centre.
“However, the leadership of HOSTCOM, after much deliberations, following the state government’s commitment to ensure strategic dialogue, have unanimously resolved to suspend the protest notice.
“While urging all our members to remain peaceful and law abiding in the pursuit of HOSTCOM needs, we hopefully look forward to eventful engagement with the State Government under the Oborevwori’s administration”.

Albert Ograka,
Asaba