In a bold move to enforce accountability, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered the arrest of six commissioners over their alleged involvement in a breach of contract related to the construction of 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities.
The affected commissioners are:
Professor Omari Omaka (Tertiary Education)
Victor Chukwu (Environment)
Ifeanyi Ogbuewu (Culture and Tourism)
Uchenna Igwe (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters)
Moses Ekuma (Health)
Felix Igboke (Project Monitoring)
Additionally, the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, has been suspended from office.
Speaking to newsmen in Abakaliki, Ilang Donatus, Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee on the Izzo and Amaze Housing Project, disclosed that the government declared the commissioners wanted before their subsequent arrests. The action follows allegations of breach of contract and dereliction of duty, as the project, meant to provide housing for victims of a communal crisis, remains incomplete despite the government’s directive for its timely delivery.
Sources revealed that the affected commissioners and contractors were accused of sabotaging Governor Nwifuru’s plans to commission the housing units as part of activities marking his two-year anniversary in office.
“The governor is not happy over the pace of the work, which ought to have been completed. The government has decided to clamp down on the contractors and commissioners who were mandated to supervise those projects,” Donatus stated.
He emphasized that Governor Nwifuru is committed to delivering succor to the affected communities, but the delay in the project has been deemed an act of sabotage. As a result, the government has vowed to continue the crackdown until all those responsible are brought to justice and the project is completed as intended.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has reportedly issued invitation letters to some of the fleeing commissioners and contractors who were not present during the committee’s visit.
Governor Nwifuru’s decisive actions underscore his commitment to transparency, effective governance, and the welfare of Ebonyi State residents.
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