Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered the arrest of six commissioners over their alleged involvement in a contract breach concerning the construction of 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities.
The arrested officials 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).
Also, the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, has been suspended.
Before their arrests, the commissioners were declared wanted by the state government for allegedly failing to ensure the timely completion of the housing project, which was meant to be commissioned as part of Governor Nwifuru’s second-anniversary celebrations.
Speaking in Abakaliki, the Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee on the Izzo and Amaze Housing Project, Ilang Donatus, emphasized that the government views the situation as a breach of contract and an act of sabotage.
“The governor is not happy over the slow pace of work. He is passionate about providing relief, and this delay is unacceptable,” Donatus stated.
Mrs. Maria Okohu, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization, Ebonyi Central, reinforced this stance, accusing the commissioners of neglecting their supervisory duties and undermining the governor’s vision.
Governor Nwifuru has vowed to continue the crackdown until all responsible parties, including fleeing commissioners and contractors, are held accountable. The Nigeria Police have also issued invitations to those who were absent when the committee conducted its investigations.