Group Tasks Ebonyi Gov to Reshuffle Cabinet, Arrest Erring Contractors
A pro-democracy group, Turn By Turn Initiatives has called on Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru to consider reshuffling his cabinet and sack all underperforming appointees.
The group also tasked the Governor to arrest and prosecute all contractors who have refused to execute their various projects in the state.
In a statement issued by the National Convener of the group, Comrade Benjamin Nworie, the group also charged the governor to initiate any legal means that would facilitate the recovery of all funds in the disposal of these contractors.
Comrade Nworie expressed regrets that all the good intentions of Nwifuru’s Administration were becoming a mirage due to the nefarious activities of various individuals handling government projects in the state.
He noted that most of the projects awarded by the present administration were either abandoned or handled in a slow in execution, which have attracted adverse criticisms against Nwifuru’s government.
According to the group: “we received with great delight the reported arrest and detention of the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Project Monitoring, Builder Chukwuma Nwiboko over alleged diversion of contract sum”.
“We commend the governor for this courage and boldness which will definitely spur others into action. It will serve as deterrent to anyone who thinks that he or she will hide under any cover or relationship to undermine Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration”.
“It’s regrettable and unspeakable that many projects are either abandoned or executed in a very shameful and slow speed. For about two years that Nwifuru’s government awarded the construction of 2 kilometre roads in Ebonyi communities; awarded construction of residence of traditional rulers; construction of Ezillo-Ezzagu road; and many other projects in the state, these projects have remained a shadow of itself”.
“It is high time that the governor should wield the big stick against all erring contractors. The tempo with which the past administration left the state is dwindling because of the softness and humane approach of the Nwifuru’s administration. Ebonyi state can’t continue this way”.
“It is highly unfortunate and condemnable that most of the contractors take the governor and his government for granted by shunning meetings and deserting project sites anytime there’s government supervisions”.
“The only option left for Governor Francis Nwifuru is to arrest, prosecute and terminate all projects awarded to erring contractors and force them to refund all funds after joint measurements”.
The National Convener also called on the governor to consider reshuffling his cabinet and sack all underperforming appointees.
“Turn By Turn Initiatives advocates for total overhaul of Nwifuru’s cabinet. Some of his appointees do not know the policy trust of this administration. Some of the commissioners and appointees do not know work schedules of their various ministries and that is why it seems that the government is stagnant”.
“We make bold to say that with the crop of appointees, no meaningful progress may be made till the end of this administration. It is more worrisome that the close allies and kinsmen of the governor are the ones sabotaging his government.
“We want to commend the governor for his beautiful policies, programme and initiatives which are conceived in line with his Ebonyi People’s charter of needs but he needs competent hands to drive it to fruition, Comrade Nworie emphasized.
The group also reiterated its commitment and support to the government of Governor Francis Nwifuru and charge him to prioritise the interest of the State above selfish interest of any individual who will hide under any cover to frustrate his government.
