Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has issued a stern warning to the state’s Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Francis Ori, over the poor performance of contractors handling the Amaeze housing scheme.
During an inspection of the 70-apartment project in Ishielu Local Government Area, part of the state’s 28th-anniversary celebrations, Nwifuru threatened to arrest Ori due to the contractors’ subpar work.
“All these you said about the contractors are excuses and would not be accepted by the government.
“The contractors involved in this delay must be arrested within three days starting from this night. The right things must be done because our people are waiting for us to deliver,” Nwifuru said.
He expressed disappointment in the project site’s environment, despite significant funding.
The governor said, “When these contractors were looking for the jobs, they were running after us and promising to deliver. They are presently nowhere to be found and the same people will go to the social media to talk about the government.”
Nwifuru also mentioned that President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate the project during his visit to Ebonyi later this year. However, he commended the progress made at the housing project in Izzo community and urged Ori to maintain a clean environment.
Ori responded, saying he’s not afraid of arrest as a public servant. He said, “The governor’s statement is in order as we are already in the process of arresting the contractors who are delaying the project. We have written to the state Commissioner of Police over the issue as the contractors have no reason to delay the project.”
The project aims to alleviate housing challenges in Izzo and Amaeze communities, previously affected by the Ezza-Ezillo conflict. Nwifuru had earlier set a September 25 deadline for contractors to complete their projects or face prosecution.
A former Commissioner for Public Utilities and stakeholder in the area, Chief Ben Okah, acknowledged the project’s positive impact on the community.
“The project has ameliorated the sufferings of the people,” he said.
The Ebonyi State Government has been working to address various developmental challenges, including housing and infrastructure. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development oversees financial and development policies.
Other ministries, such as Commerce and Industry, and Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and Rural Development, also contribute to the state’s growth and development.
