Six Commissioners In Ebonyi State Face Arrest Over Housing Project Scandal

Scope 31 Mar 2025

Ebonyi Governor Cracks Down on Commissioners Linked to Housing Project Delays

It’s a story that’s grabbing headlines in Ebonyi State. Governor Francis Nwifuru has taken bold action by arresting six commissioners allegedly involved in a scandal related to the construction of 140 housing units. These units were meant for the Izzo and Amaze communities as part of a larger initiative to improve living conditions. The governor is clearly sending a strong message: accountability matters, and delays won’t be tolerated.

Who Are the Commissioners Under Fire?

Let me break it down for you. Among those arrested are some big names in the state government: Professor Omari Omaka, who oversees Tertiary Education; Victor Chukwu, responsible for Environment; Ifeanyi Ogbuewu from Culture and Tourism; Uchenna Igwe, handling Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; Moses Ekuma, the Health Commissioner; and Felix Igboke, in charge of Project Monitoring. To make matters worse, Timothy Nwachi, the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, has also been suspended. This is no small matter—it’s a major shake-up in the governor’s administration.

Before the Arrests: A Wanted Notice

But here’s the kicker—these arrests didn’t come out of nowhere. Reports suggest that the state government had already issued a wanted notice for these commissioners before taking drastic action. It’s clear that Governor Nwifuru wasn’t messing around. He was giving them a chance to explain themselves, and when they didn’t step up, the hammer came down.

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What Governor Nwifuru Had to Say

In a press conference held in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru, speaking through the Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee on the Izzo and Amaze Housing Project, Ilang Donatus, made his position crystal clear. He accused the commissioners and contractors of failing to meet their contractual obligations. The governor’s frustration is understandable—these housing units were meant to be completed in time for his two-year anniversary in office. Instead, they’ve become a symbol of delay and mismanagement.

Donatus emphasized that the governor is deeply disappointed with the pace of work. "The governor is not happy over the pace of the work which ought to have been completed," he stated. And here’s the kicker: "The government has decided to clamp down on the contractors and commissioners who were mandated to supervise those projects." It’s a powerful statement that shows the governor’s commitment to delivering results for his people.

Why This Matters

Let me explain why this project is so important. Governor Nwifuru didn’t just start this housing initiative for show. He’s a man with a compassionate heart, and he genuinely wants to help those affected by communal crises. These housing units were meant to provide relief and stability to communities in need. But now, with delays and alleged mismanagement, his vision is being undermined. That’s why he’s taking such a strong stance. As Donatus put it, "He is not happy that the project is delayed and has ordered the arrest of all the commissioners who were supposed to ensure the speedy completion of the housing units."

Accusations of Sabotage

Maria Okohu, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization for Ebonyi Central and a member of the Executive Council Committee, didn’t mince words. She accused contractors of failing to complete the projects and blamed certain commissioners for not providing adequate supervision. In her view, this isn’t just negligence—it’s sabotage. The governor’s team is determined to hold everyone accountable and ensure that the project gets back on track.

What’s Next?

The governor’s message is loud and clear: arrests will continue until everyone involved is held accountable. The Nigeria Police have already sent out invitation letters to several commissioners and contractors who weren’t at home during the committee’s visit. This is just the beginning of what could be a larger investigation into the handling of the housing project. It’s a reminder that in public service, accountability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility.

As this story unfolds, one thing is certain: Governor Nwifuru is taking decisive action to ensure that his vision for a better Ebonyi State becomes a reality. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of what could be a major shake-up in the state’s political landscape.