By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi State has expressed concern over the abandonment of several government projects across the state, urging Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to compel defaulting contractors to return to site or have their contracts terminated and public funds recovered.
The State Chairman of IPAC, Comrade Nasir Ernest Nwaze , made the call during a press briefing in Abakaliki following the council’s annual project inspection tour, a routine exercise aimed at assessing government performance, offering constructive advice, and commending notable achievements.
According to Nwaze, IPAC inspected at least six major project sites, including the Industrial City Clusters in Ezzangbo, Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja Izzi, Aeronautic University, Onueke, buildings constructed for traditional rulers, and selected housing estates such as the one opposite Chiboy motors, Abakaliki.
He expressed disappointment over the state of the Industrial City Clusters, noting that the site was completely deserted despite prior notification to the supervising ministry.
“There were no workers on site. We didn’t meet anybody there. The place was completely deserted,” he said.
Nwaze further disclosed that findings from the inspection indicated that some contractors only mobilize briefly whenever they anticipate visits by the governor or inspection teams, abandoning the sites once such visits are over.
At the Aeronautical University, Onueke, IPAC observed that most buildings had not reached lintel level, raising concerns of abandonment. He noted that the contractors handling the projects are largely indigenous contractors and stakeholders from the state.
However, he disclosed that one structure reportedly owned by a former member of the House of Representatives, had reached about 80 to 85 percent completion, making it the most advanced building at the site.
In contrast, IPAC commended the level of work at the ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja, where workers were actively engaged and construction was progressing satisfactorily.
Similarly, at the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, the council observed steady progress and aligned with Governor Nwifuru’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.
IPAC also raised concerns at the Ministry of Transport over newly constructed bus stops that are reportedly not being utilized.
According to drivers and commuters, task force officials allegedly prevent buses from stopping at the designated points, describing them as “resting places” rather than loading areas—an action the council said has caused inconvenience to commuters.
While condemning abandoned projects, IPAC appealed to local contractors to live up to expectations, warning that their actions undermine 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 adequately support the governor.
“The governor cannot give you an assignment and still come down to do the work himself,” he added.
IPAC called on Governor Nwifuru to take decisive action by forcing contractors back to site, terminating non-performing contracts, and deploying security agencies where necessary to recover already disbursed funds.
Despite the criticisms, the council commended several members of the state executive council for outstanding performance. It praised the State Attorney General and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, citing the functional state hatchery which, according to IPAC, is competing favorably in the market due to innovative reforms.
The Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary) was applauded for sanitizing the education sector and clamping down on fake and substandard schools, including sealing properties used for illegal operations.
IPAC also commended the Commissioner for Tertiary Education for effective scholarship administration benefiting Ebonyi students both locally and abroad, and the Commissioner for Environment for initiatives that recently earned Ebonyi State a ranking as the second cleanest state in Nigeria.
Nwaze emphasized that IPAC’s support for the governor is not party-based but driven by the people’s charter of needs, noting that the council comprises members from different political parties.
He further commended Governor Nwifuru for fostering an inclusive and peaceful political environment in the 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 aimed at improving the welfare of Ebonyi citizens rather than partisan undertakings.