Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has tasked officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on ensuring strict adherence to standards before issuance of clearance certificates to contractors for projects done.
The governor gave the charge on Friday, when he received the College of Permanent Secretaries, led by the state Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko, on a Christmas and New Year visit to Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori said that Permanent Secretaries were very key to his administration, while commending them for their commitment and support to his government by holding the ministries before the appointment of commissioners in line with constitutional requirements.
He said that his administration was very focused on consolidating on the foundations already laid in the past going forward.
He said that his government would remain committed to its M.O.R.E Agenda to deliver the gains of democracy to the people of the state.
Oborevwori said that his administration had been running smoothly without borrowing because of its prudent management of the state’s resources.
He said that if there would ever be any reason to do borrow, such facility must be tied to tangible and beneficial projects.
“I am happy to receive you today because Permanent Secretaries are very important to this administration.
“When I assumed office, I ran the state with you people before commissioners were appointed. I must say that you did extremely well. Most of the achievements we have today, you laid the foundation.
“We planned ahead before the commissioners came. I want to say that you contributed to the commendation we receive today in the country.
“We give God the glory for the achievements we have had and I advise that we continue to sustain it in the coming year,” he said.
The governor added, “we are among the few states that have not borrowed money since we came on board seven months ago.
” If we must borrow, we must borrow money that would be tied to projects and we will be very sure of the projects.
“Another advice I want to give to the Permanent Secretaries is that you discuss with your directors to ensure that they issue certificates to contractors for only completed jobs.
“This is because a lot is going on and we won’t take it in 2024. Your certificate will not guarantee payment except when the jobs have been verified as completed.
“If this government succeeds, we have all succeeded. I believe that 2024 will be better than 2023”.
The governor thanked God for the achievements so far.
“We have engaged a construction giant, Julius Berger to build flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and expand roads in Warri and Effurun.
“We have also inaugurated several projects, while other projects are being constructed across the state,” he said.
Earlier, Bayoko, who led the delegation of 45 Permanent Secretaries and 15 Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments, thanked the governor for granting them audience.
He extended the felicitation of the College of Permanent Secretaries and the entire state Civil Service to the governor on Yuletide.
He lauded Oborevwori for his visionary leadership style since he took the mantle of leadership of the state.
“We represent a group of dedicated public servants committed to the noble cause of serving our beloved state under your guidance and vision.
“We extend our heart- felt felicitation to you and your immediate family. We say that within this short time that you have been on the saddle as the head, you have provided visionary leadership.
“We have seen unprecedented development and your commitment towards the public service and your drive in ushering a new era of prosperity has been inspirational,” Bayoko said.(NAN
