Nwifuru Warns LG Officials Against Sabotage, Diversion and Negligence

Ebonyi State Governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has issued a stern warning to local government chairmen and coordinators of development centres over alleged sabotage of contracts, diversion of empowerment benefits, and failure to execute meaningful projects.

Speaking during a church service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, the governor said it was unacceptable for officials to remain in the state capital while neglecting their communities.

“If you are a Coordinator or a Local Government Chairman and live in Abakaliki and you hardly go to the village, you don’t expect people to follow you. You must work for the interest of the people. Our youths need your attention.

As a Coordinator you should be doing a project not less than 10 Million Naira monthly and Chairmen are supposed to be doing a project of not less than 20 Million Naira every month,” Nwifuru said.

He also urged them to replicate in their hometowns the conducive environment they enjoy in Abakaliki.

“You reside in Abakaliki because the Governor gave you a conducive environment, why can’t you get back to the village and do the same thing,” he added.

The governor cautioned those frustrating government contracts in their localities to desist immediately, directing town unions and other community development stakeholders to monitor projects closely and ensure they align with approved specifications.

Nwifuru commended the state’s youths for shunning the recent planned nationwide protest, warning that the show of restraint should not be taken for granted by public officials.

“They didn’t protest because we are perfect. They gingered us to do more. It’s a challenge for us government officials to ensure we do more. This protest is an atom of what we should expect tomorrow. If care is not taken, there may be total shutdown.”

On empowerment programmes, the governor stressed that they were strictly for young people and not political office holders.

“In this empowerment we are not giving opportunities for the members of the State Executive Council, Judiciary, LGA Chairmen, and Coordinators, we want the youth to benefit.”

He emphasised the need for proper oversight of government projects, urging officials to take ownership and ensure public facilities are properly maintained.

“The Government is embarking on so many projects without supervision. We must ensure our projects are supervised. The project is yours. Ensure you exhibit ownership spirit in managing public utilities.”