The Ebonyi State Government has taken a strong stance against officials responsible for the delay in the construction of 140 housing units meant for the displaced Izzo and Amaze communities in Ishielu Local Government Area. Seven supervising commissioners and a local government chairman have been arrested for their failure to deliver on the project as agreed upon in their contracts.

The arrested officials include:

• Professor Omari Omaka, Commissioner for Tertiary Education

• Victor Chukwu, Commissioner for Environment

• Mr. Ifeanyi Ogbuewu, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism

• Uchenna Igwe, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters

• Dr. Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Health

• Felix Igboke, Commissioner for Project Monitoring

• Mr. Timothy Nwachi, Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area.

These arrests were made due to the delay in completing the housing units, as well as breaches of the contract terms and conditions, which were supposed to ensure the timely construction of homes for those displaced during the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal crisis.

State Government’s Efforts to Ensure Completion of Housing Units

Dr. Ilang Donates, Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee overseeing the Izzo and Amaze Housing Project, explained the government’s frustration with the slow pace of work. He stated in Abakaliki, the state capital, that the arrested officials had not upheld their contractual responsibilities, which ultimately led to their apprehension.

“The Governor is very unhappy with how slowly the housing project is progressing, especially since it should have been finished by now,” Dr. Donates stated. “The Governor has a genuine concern for the victims of the communal crisis, and this delay has been disappointing. Given the lack of progress, we had no choice but to arrest the officials who were supposed to ensure the project was completed on time.”

The housing units were meant to provide shelter for those affected by the crisis in Izzo and Amaze. The community members had hoped for a quick resolution to their displacement, but delays have caused considerable distress for the people and the state government alike.

Accusations of Sabotage and Poor Oversight

Mrs. Maria Okohu, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization and a member of the Executive Council Committee, expressed her concerns regarding the handling of the project. She accused the contractors and some of the supervising commissioners of sabotaging the project by failing to properly oversee the work.

She emphasized, “The failure to complete the housing units on time, coupled with poor supervision by some of the commissioners, amounts to sabotage. The government had given clear directives, but some of the officials did not fulfill their roles as expected. This delay has harmed the project’s purpose, which was meant to help the victims of the communal conflict.”

Mrs. Okohu’s statement highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that both the contractors and certain commissioners were responsible for the project’s setbacks. She expressed disappointment in their lack of urgency, which has caused unnecessary delays.

Executive Committee’s Commitment to Completing the Project

The committee overseeing the project consists of key government officials, including the Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Okorie Philip Ogbonnaya; the Commissioner for Special Duties, Valentine Okike-Uzor; and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, Okum Godwin. All members of the committee have expressed concern over the slow progress and pledged to support efforts to expedite the completion of the housing units.

The Ebonyi State Government is determined to ensure that the housing project is completed as soon as possible, and the arrests of the commissioners are part of that effort. The government has made it clear that it will hold those responsible accountable, and no further delays will be tolerated.

Police Involvement and Ongoing Investigations

The Nigerian Police have also become involved in the case, issuing invitations to those commissioners who were not at home at the time of the arrests. The police are expected to continue investigating the matter and ensure that all individuals who were negligent in their duties face legal consequences.

The arrests highlight the state government’s commitment to accountability and its dedication to seeing the housing project through to completion. Governor David Umahi has emphasized that the housing units must be finished promptly to ensure displaced families have a safe place to call home.

Governor’s Dedication to the Displaced Communities

Governor Umahi has long been a passionate advocate for the welfare of the displaced communities. He sees the housing project as a critical step in restoring stability to the victims of the communal violence, and he is disappointed by the delays. The project’s delay has been a source of frustration for both the Governor and the affected residents, and the government is committed to bringing it to a swift conclusion.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Timely Execution

The Ebonyi State Government’s actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that public projects are executed properly and on time. The arrests of the commissioners and the local government chairman are intended to send a strong message that delays and breaches of contract will not be tolerated. With the continued efforts of the government, the housing units for the displaced Izzo and Amaze communities will hopefully be completed, providing much-needed relief to the victims of the communal crisis.