*Task Political Appointees on Whistle Blowing Policy
By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged his administration’s political appointees to actively promote the whistleblower policy by reporting any inadequately executed projects in their communities for immediate action.
The Governor made this announcement on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony for Senator Ighoyota Amori as his Chief Adviser at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
He emphasized that video evidence and detailed reports of poorly completed projects will assist the government in holding negligent contractors accountable and combatting project abandonment, ensuring that work is completed according to contractual standards.
“Last week, during a meeting with senior public and civil servants, I indicated my plan to establish a hotline for residents to report substandard work by contractors directly to my office,” he noted.
“This initiative will help the government guarantee full value for the funds allocated to projects. Political appointees should lead by example, actively monitoring projects in their regions and advising the government as necessary.”
The Governor reiterated the importance of teamwork in governance, stating, “We must all pull together to achieve our goal of delivering the best for our citizens and positioning Delta State as a model for others in the federation.”
Governor Oborevwori expressed pride in the achievements of his administration over the past 19 months and stressed the need for continued fiscal responsibility, extensive infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and support for small and medium enterprises.
“We are resolved to keep our spending within our revenue capabilities and ensure responsible resource allocation, thus creating an environment conducive to economic growth and sustainable development,” he affirmed.
In congratulating Chief Amori on his new role, the Governor pointed out that the appointment aligns with Section 196 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
“Chief Amori is well-known as a founding member of the PDP in Delta State and has made significant contributions to the party at both local and national levels,” he said. “His experience in various government roles will be invaluable as we pursue the MORE Agenda to advance Delta State.”
Today’s event also served as a reminder for political appointees to represent this administration positively. “As public servants, your actions and statements must align with the core values of the MORE Agenda, which include innovation, excellence, service, social responsibility, transparency, accountability, opportunity, freedom, unity, and respect.”
“I expect every appointee to uphold these values to earn respect and support from the communities we serve,” he added.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent communication with local communities and government councils. “It is your responsibility to ensure that the public is informed about our policies and programs while gathering valuable feedback from them.”
“This approach will help the citizens feel the benefits of governance and allow us to tailor our programs to meet their needs and aspirations. We remain committed to delivering the benefits of democracy to the grassroots level, and you all play a crucial role in this process. Your performance will be closely monitored as a measure of your effectiveness,” Oborevwori concluded.
In his remarks following the swearing-in, Chief Adviser Senator Ighoyota Amori expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state and the party. He pledged to provide insightful guidance aimed at advancing Delta in all sectors while encouraging Deltans to continue supporting the Governor’s initiatives for sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development.