Nigerian Governor arrests six commissioners

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered the arrest of six commissioners over allegations of failing to meet contract terms for the construction of 140 housing units in Izzo and Amaze communities.

The government accused them of neglecting their responsibilities, leading to delays in the project meant for victims of communal crises.

Among those arrested are Professor Omari Omaka, Commissioner for Tertiary Education; Victor Chukwu, Commissioner for Environment; and Ifeanyi Ogbuewu, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.

Others include Uchenna Igwe, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Health; and Felix Igboke, Commissioner for Project Monitoring. The Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Timothy Nwachi, was also detained.

Reports indicate that the state government had earlier declared them wanted before their arrest.

Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, Ilang Donatus, Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee on the housing project, explained that the government acted because the officials and contractors had not fulfilled their contractual obligations.

Governor Nwifuru was reportedly displeased with the slow progress of the construction, which was supposed to have been completed.

The government viewed the delays as unacceptable, prompting the decision to take action against those responsible.

Maria Okohu, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization for Ebonyi Central and a member of the committee, stated that the failure of the commissioners and contractors to complete the work as expected amounted to sabotage.

She reiterated that the state government would ensure that all those involved face consequences and fulfill their responsibilities.

The police have also begun tracking some commissioners and contractors who were absent when the committee visited their residences.

Invitation letters have been sent to them, and the government insists that the arrests will continue until all those involved are held accountable.