IPAC Sounds Alarm: Ebonyi's Government Projects Left in the Dust

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Ebonyi State has raised serious concerns over the abandonment of several government projects across the state, calling on Governor Francis Nwifuru to compel defaulting contractors back to site or terminate their contracts and recover public funds.

The State Chairman of IPAC, Comrade Nasir Ernest Nwaze, disclosed this on behalf of the council during a press briefing in Abakaliki following IPAC’s annual project inspection tour, a tradition of the body aimed at assessing government performance, advising on areas of improvement, and commending achievements where necessary.

According to Comrade Nwaze, IPAC visited no fewer than six project sites across the state, including the Industrial City Clusters; Vanco Flyover and Tunnel; ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja; Aeronautical University, Onueke; buildings constructed for traditional rulers; and selected housing estates, including the one opposite Chiboy Estate, Abakaliki.

He expressed disappointment over the situation at the Industrial City Clusters, where the council observed that “virtually nothing is happening.”

“There were no workers on site. We didn’t meet anybody there. Even though we informed the commissioner in charge of the ministry before going, the place was completely deserted,” Nwaze said.

He further revealed that information gathered indicated that work only resumes temporarily whenever contractors hear that the governor or an inspection team is visiting, after which activities stop once the visit ends.

At the Aeronautical University, Onueke, IPAC observed that most of the buildings had not reached lintel level, suggesting abandonment.

Nwaze noted that the contractors handling the projects are largely indigenous contractors and stakeholders from the state.

He disclosed that the only structure nearing completion, about 80 to 85 percent, was reportedly owned by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Lazarus Nweru Ogbee, describing it as the most advanced among the buildings inspected at the site.

In contrast, IPAC commended the level of work at the ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja, where the council met workers actively engaged on site and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of construction.

Similarly, at the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, IPAC observed steady progress, aligning with the governor’s assurance that the project would be completed by 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 stated.

However, IPAC raised concerns at the Ministry of Transport, where newly constructed bus stops were reportedly not being utilized. According to drivers and commuters, the Ministry’s task force allegedly prevents buses from stopping at designated bus stops, claiming they are “resting places” rather than loading points.

This, IPAC noted, has caused inconvenience to commuters, sometimes forcing passengers to be dropped beyond their intended destinations.

While condemning abandoned projects, IPAC appealed to local contractors to live up to expectations, stressing that their actions are undermining the governor’s efforts to empower indigenous businesses.

“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 criticized commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants responsible for project monitoring, accusing them of failing to complement the governor’s efforts.

“The governor cannot give you an assignment and still come down to do the work himself,” he added.

IPAC called on Governor Nwifuru to decisively act by forcing contractors back to site, terminating non-performing contracts, and using security agencies to recover funds already disbursed where necessary.

Despite the criticisms, IPAC commended several members of the state executive council for outstanding performance.

The council extolled the State Attorney General and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, citing the functional state hatchery, which it said is competing favorably in the market due to innovative reforms.

IPAC also applauded the Commissioner for Education, overseeing primary and secondary education, for sanitizing the sector and clamping down on fake and substandard schools, including the closure of properties used for illegal operations.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education was equally commended for effective scholarship administration, benefiting Ebonyi students both locally and abroad.

Additionally, IPAC praised the Commissioner for Environment, noting that Ebonyi State was recently ranked the second cleanest state in Nigeria on the national environmental chart.

Nwaze emphasized that IPAC’s support for the governor is not party-based but rooted in the people’s charter of needs, noting that members of the council belong to different political parties.

He further commended Governor Nwifuru for fostering an inclusive and peaceful political environment in Ebonyi State.

“Today you can see PDP, APGA, and other political parties operating freely. We commend the governor for the accommodation given to all parties and for the peace in Ebonyi State,” he said.

The IPAC chairman urged the governor to sustain his developmental drive, describing the ongoing projects and reforms as people-oriented initiatives rather than partisan undertakings.