The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi State has raised concerns over the abandonment of several government projects across the state, calling on Governor Francis Nwifuru to compel defaulting contractors to return to the site or have their contracts terminated and public funds recovered.
The State Chairman of IPAC, Comrade Nasir Ernest Nwaze, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abakaliki at the end of the council’s annual project inspection tour.
Nwaze said IPAC inspected no fewer than six project sites across the state, including the Industrial City Clusters, Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, ICT University at Oferekpe-Agbaja, Aeronautical University in Onueke, buildings constructed for traditional rulers and selected housing estates in Abakaliki.
READ ALSO: I Was Never a PDP Member – Fubara
He expressed disappointment over the state of work at the Industrial City Clusters, where the council observed that activities had stalled completely.
“There were no workers on site. We didn’t meet anybody there. Even though we informed the commissioner in charge before going, the place was completely deserted,” he said.
According to him, findings by the council suggested that some contractors only resume work when they hear of visits by the governor or inspection teams, abandoning the projects once such visits are over.
Mixed Findings at Education, Transport Projects
At the Aeronautical University in Onueke, Nwaze said most of the buildings had not reached lintel level, raising concerns that the project had been abandoned.
He noted that the contractors handling the work are largely indigenous contractors and stakeholders from the state.
He disclosed that the only structure nearing completion, estimated at about 80 to 85 per cent, was reportedly owned by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lazarus Nweru Ogbee, describing it as the most advanced building inspected at the site.
In contrast, IPAC commended the level of work at the ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja, where workers were met actively engaged on site.
The council also expressed satisfaction with the pace of work at the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, saying it aligned with the governor’s assurance that the project would be completed next year.
“As much as Oliver Twist will always ask for more, we can say that work is going at the pace the governor desires,” Nwaze said.
However, IPAC raised concerns over the use of newly constructed bus stops under the Ministry of Transport, alleging that task force officials prevent buses from stopping at designated points, thereby inconveniencing commuters.
IPAC Urges Decisive Action, Commends Performers
While condemning the abandonment of projects, IPAC appealed to local contractors to live up to expectations, warning that their actions were undermining the state government’s development efforts.
“These abandoned projects are being handled by our local contractors and our brothers. They are not helping the governor, and they are not helping Ebonyi State,” Nwaze said.
The council also criticised commissioners, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants responsible for project monitoring, accusing them of failing to complement the governor’s efforts.
READ ALSO: Yusuf Dantalle Re-elected as IPAC National Chairman
“The governor cannot give you an assignment and still come down to do the work himself,” he added.
IPAC called on Governor Nwifuru to compel contractors back to the site, terminate non-performing contracts and recover funds already paid where necessary.
Despite the criticisms, the council commended some members of the state executive council for outstanding performance.
It praised the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources for reforms at the state hatchery, the Commissioner for Education for sanitising the primary and secondary education sector, and the Commissioner for Tertiary Education for effective scholarship administration.
The council also applauded the Commissioner for Environment, noting that Ebonyi State was recently ranked the second cleanest state in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: ₦36trn Road Projects Under Scrutiny as ICPC, Works Ministry Kick Off Audit
Nwaze said IPAC’s support for the governor was based on the people’s charter of needs rather than party affiliation, adding that the council comprises members from different political parties.
He commended Governor Nwifuru for promoting inclusiveness and maintaining a peaceful political environment in the state and urged him to sustain the current development drive, describing ongoing projects as people-orientated initiatives.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
