After 10 Weeks Suspension, Oborevwori Reinstates Delta Works Commissioner, Izeze

By Ezekiel Kagbala

ASABA, Delta State — After 10 weeks in suspension, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reinstated the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, directing him to return to office.

Oborevwori announced the lifting of the suspension on Tuesday in Asaba, during the swearing-in ceremony of the Auditor-General and members of the governing councils of the University of Delta, Southern Delta University and Dennis Osadebay University at Unity Hall, Government House.

The governor’s decision followed an appeal by Izeze for forgiveness and his indication that he was prepared to return to the public and address the circumstances that led to his suspension.

Oborevwori disclosed that Izeze sent him a message on Tuesday morning asking for forgiveness and requesting that the governor explain his return to the public.

The governor, however, appeared to distance himself from the wording of the request, particularly the suggestion that the public should be told that the commissioner was “just coming from Okere prison.”

Recounting the exchange, Oborevwori said, “Let me talk for a minute about one commissioner who was suspended. He sent me a message this morning that I should forgive him.

“He doesn’t know me, and he was telling me what to say; that I should tell the public that he is just coming from Okere prison. Is that my business?”

The governor used the development to reiterate his position that public office holders must conduct themselves responsibly, insisting that nobody in government is above the law.

He said, “I always tell people that my kind of system is different. If someone like me has changed my style, this is not the Sheriff of 20 years ago. So when you are in government, you must behave well because nobody is above the law.”

Despite the stern warning, Oborevwori said Izeze’s appeal for forgiveness and his willingness to return to the public to confront the issue influenced his decision to lift the suspension.

The reinstatement brings to an end the commissioner’s 10-week suspension and clears the way for him to resume his responsibilities in the Works Ministry.

The governor’s remarks also signalled that disciplinary action against public officials under his administration would not necessarily preclude a subsequent review where an individual appeals and demonstrates willingness to address the issues involved.

Izeze is expected to return to his official duties following the governor’s directive.

This version gives the story a stronger political-news lead, makes the 10-week suspension and reinstatement immediately prominent, and preserves the governor’s more pointed remarks without adding unsupported claims.