The Ebonyi State Government has refuted claims that Governor Francis Nwifuru ordered the arrest of five commissioners over delays in project delivery and contract breaches.
Addressing the reports, Donatus Ilang, Chairman of the Ebonyi Executive Council (EXCO) committee on Supervision and Completion of State Housing Projects, dismissed the allegations as baseless. Ilang, who also serves as the Commissioner for Border, Peace, and Conflict Resolution, stated that no commissioner had been arrested and described the circulating reports as fictitious.
The controversy stems from the construction of 140 housing units meant for the Izzo and Amaze communities, which were displaced due to the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal crisis in Ishielu Local Government Area.
The state government had expressed concerns over delays in project execution and had resolved to take strict measures against contractors failing to meet deadlines.
According to Ilang, while the government conveyed its dissatisfaction with the pace of work, the commissioners involved were only tasked with providing relevant information to help address the issue with the contractors.
Confirming the government’s position, the Ebonyi State Police Command also denied any involvement in the alleged arrests. Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu clarified that no commissioner was in police custody.
The state government urged the public to disregard the misinformation and warned against the spread of unfounded reports aimed at causing unnecessary tension.
