By Peter Eke
In a decisive move against contract breaches, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered the arrest of six commissioners and the suspension of the Afikpo Local Government Area Chairman, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, over their alleged involvement in irregularities surrounding a housing project meant for the Izzo and Amaze communities.
The commissioners affected by the crackdown include Professor Omari Omaka (Tertiary Education), Victor Chukwu (Environment), Ifeanyi Ogbuewu (Culture and Tourism), Uchenna Igwe (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters), Moses Ekuma (Health), and Felix Igboke (Project Monitoring).
According to sources within the government, the arrested officials were declared wanted before their eventual apprehension.
The controversy centers around the delayed construction of 140 housing units, a project Governor Nwifuru had intended to commission in celebration of his administration’s two-year milestone.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, Ilang Donatus, the Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee overseeing the housing project, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He stated, “The governor is deeply concerned about the slow pace of work. These officials were entrusted with ensuring the timely completion of the project, yet their failure to fulfill their obligations has frustrated his vision to provide shelter for victims of communal crises.”
Donatus further indicated that the government would continue to hold accountable all those responsible for the delays.
He stressed that the arrests are part of a broader effort to ensure that the housing units are completed without further setbacks.
Mrs. Maria Okohu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization (Ebonyi Central), echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as an act of sabotage. “Some commissioners failed in their supervisory roles, while the contractors neglected their responsibilities. The government cannot tolerate such negligence,” she remarked.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police has reportedly issued invitations to additional officials and contractors who were not present when the committee initiated its investigation.
Authorities remain committed to ensuring all those implicated are held to account.
Governor Nwifuru’s firm stance underscores his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, setting a precedent for governance in Ebonyi State.
