Nwifuru alleges sabotage, says LG autonomy implementation key

The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has alleged that some contractors were sabotaging his efforts and threatened to arrest those found culpable.

He claimed that over 292 road projects awarded to various contractors in the state were abandoned, even when his administration mobilised the contractors to the site.

The governor stated this while fielding questions from journalists at the new Government House in the Centenary City, Abakaliki, shortly after the grand finale of the Ojiji Izhi New Yam Festival 2024.

The governor also approved the payment of N70,000.00 minimum wage to workers under the employment of the state.

He said he had directed relevant government authorities to draft modalities for the payment of new wages commencing September.

The governor further vowed to fully implement the local government’s financial autonomy, adding, “It is unnecessary and inhuman for anyone to abandon state allocation and be putting eyes on the local government funds.”

He frowned at the lackadaisical manner at which government projects awarded to prominent leaders of the state were handled, especially the housing estate in the Izo autonomous community, Ishielu Local Government of the state.

He gave a marching order to the Commissioner for Housing to ensure the painting of the houses immediately.

He further called on residents of the state to swiftly report government projects suffering delay by contractors they knew of, even as he said anyone working against his government was working against the collective interest of the people of the state.

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