Ebonyi Governor, Nwifuru, Sacks Mall Management Over Power Crisis, Takes Over Operations

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced a series of decisive actions to address ongoing challenges at the Ebonyi Shopping Mall, following widespread complaints from citizens and shop owners over poor management and erratic electricity supply.

Writing on his official Facebook page, the governor emphasized that the mall was built to boost economic activity, create jobs, and provide convenience for residents. He expressed satisfaction in seeing Ebonyians shop and create positive content around the facility, but noted that recent management failures had prompted urgent government intervention.

“In response to complaints about poor management, particularly issues with power supply, I convened a meeting today with mall managers, shop owners, and government officials,” he wrote.

As a result of the meeting, Governor Nwifuru outlined the following measures:

• The Ebonyi State Government will offset the mall’s outstanding electricity bills in line with its agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
• The government will enter negotiations with EEDC to establish a more sustainable monthly billing structure for the mall, in view of the current economic realities.
• The state will take over maintenance and repairs of key infrastructure, including the escalators, air conditioning systems, and backup power generators.

In a major development, the governor also announced the termination of 3rd Retail Africa’s contract as the mall’s administrator, citing findings from his visit. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Shopping Mall Affairs has been assigned to take over management responsibilities.

“The mall has now regained electricity supply,” the governor confirmed.

Governor Nwifuru said the decision was made in good faith and in the best interest of Ebonyians, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the facility serves the purpose for which it was built.

— #FON