Ebonyi Government denies false claims of Gov. Francis Nwifuru ordering the arrest of five commissioners over delays in housing projects

The Ebonyi State Government has strongly rejected a report alleging that Governor Francis Nwifuru had ordered the arrest of five commissioners due to delays and breaches in the delivery of housing projects.

The government described the report as “false and unfounded,” calling it a baseless rumour aimed at discrediting the administration.

The clarification came from Chief Donatus Ilang, Chairman of the Ebonyi Executive Council (EXCO) committee overseeing the supervision and completion of two state housing projects.

Ilang, who also serves as the Commissioner for Border, Peace, and Conflict Resolution, issued a statement on Tuesday dismissing the claims.

According to Ilang, the projects in question are part of the government’s initiative to provide housing for communities displaced by the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal conflict in Ishielu Local Government Area.

Specifically, these are the 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities, which have been severely affected by the crisis.

Ilang stated that no commissioners had been arrested, as falsely reported. He further noted that the police and other security agencies could confirm the absence of any arrests.

“The people writing such fake news are doing so from their imagination,” he said, emphasising that the governor had expressed his displeasure over the delays and had taken steps to address the situation.

He added that the government had resolved to take “drastic actions” against the defaulters involved in the project.

The statement clarified that the commissioners had been asked to provide relevant information to help the committee confront contractors who were not adhering to the terms of their contracts.

Ilang highlighted that the governor remained committed to ensuring the successful completion of the housing projects, as they are crucial to alleviating the housing needs of the affected communities.

“The governor is desirous to give the people of both communities affected by a fratricidal communal conflict housing reprieves,” Ilang continued.

“Our mandate is to ensure that the governor’s noble intentions toward the people of both communities are actualised, and we will not toy with such.”

The 140 housing units were initiated by the state government as part of efforts to provide relief to those displaced by the ongoing conflict.

The project aims to offer a sustainable housing solution to the victims and is seen as a crucial step toward post-crisis recovery.

In response to the allegations, the Ebonyi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed that no commissioners were in their custody. “We did not arrest any commissioner,” he said, debunking the report further.

This clarification comes amid growing concerns over the timely completion of critical projects in the state.

The Ebonyi Government has pledged to continue working towards fulfilling its commitments to the displaced communities and ensuring that the housing projects are completed as planned.