The Delta government has demoted two engineers in the state civil service for issuing certificates of job completion on road projects yet to be completed.

The affected officers, Gabriel Evuarhere and Samuel Nwokolobia, were demoted from deputy director to assistant director and assistant director to chief engineer, respectively.

William Ogolokpe, the head of service, said in a statement in Asaba on Friday that their next promotions to deputy director and assistant director posts would take effect from January 1, 2028, and January 1, 2027, respectively.

The two separate letters read in part: “That you, Gabriel Evuarhere, is found culpable of corruption, dishonesty, and failure to adhere to laid-down procedures.

“Thereby reduced in rank by one salary grade level from the post of deputy director (civil engineer), SGL 16, to the assistant director (civil engineer), SGL 15, with effect from January 1, 2024.

“That you, Samuel Nwokolobia, is found culpable of corruption, dishonesty, and failure to adhere to laid down procedures.

“Thereby reduced in rank by one salary grade level from the post of assistant director (civil engineer), SGL 15, to chief civil engineer, SGL 14, with effect from January 1, 2024.”

Meanwhile, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had appealed to the disciplinary committee to temper justice with mercy by commuting their sentences from dismissal to a reduction in rank.

Mr Oborevwori cautioned that there would be no sacred cows in the quest to ensure quality project delivery and value for money for the people of Delta.

He warned that subsequent offenders would face the full wrath of the law.

(NAN)