The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi State has raised serious concerns over the abandonment of several government-funded projects across the state, urging Governor Francis Nwifuru to compel defaulting contractors back to site or terminate the affected contracts and recover public funds.
The State Chairman of IPAC, Comrade Nasir Ernest Nwaze, disclosed this on behalf of the council during a press briefing in Abakaliki following the council’s annual project inspection tour.
IPAC’s inspection tour, a long-standing tradition of the council, is aimed at independently assessing government projects, identifying gaps, advising on areas requiring improvement, and acknowledging notable achievements.
According to Nwaze, the council inspected at least six major project sites, including the Industrial City Clusters, Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja, Aeronautical University, Onueke, buildings constructed for traditional rulers, and selected housing estates, including one located opposite Chiboy Estate in Abakaliki.
He expressed deep disappointment over the state of work at the Industrial City Clusters, where IPAC observed a complete absence of activity.
“There were no workers on site. We didn’t meet anyone there. Even after informing the supervising commissioner ahead of our visit, the entire place was deserted,” Nwaze said.
He further alleged that contractors only resume work temporarily when they anticipate visits from the governor or inspection teams, only to abandon the sites once such visits conclude.
At the Aeronautical University, Onueke, IPAC observed that most of the buildings had not reached lintel level, suggesting prolonged abandonment. Nwaze noted that the projects are largely being handled by indigenous contractors and stakeholders from the state.
He disclosed that the only structure nearing completion—estimated at about 80 to 85 percent—was reportedly owned by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lazarus Nweru Ogbee, describing it as the most advanced building at the site.
In contrast, IPAC commended the level of work at the ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja, where the council met workers actively engaged on site and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of construction.
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Similarly, the council observed steady progress at the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, aligning with Governor Nwifuru’s assurance that the project would be completed by next year.
“As much as Oliver Twist will always ask for more, we can say that work is progressing in line with remember the governor’s expectations,” Nwaze stated.
However, IPAC raised concerns at the Ministry of Transport, where newly constructed bus stops were reportedly not being utilized. According to commuters and drivers, the ministry’s task force allegedly prevents vehicles from stopping at the bus stops, claiming they are “resting points” rather than designated loading areas.
The council noted that the situation has caused inconvenience to commuters, with some passengers reportedly dropped far from their intended destinations.
While condemning the abandonment of projects, IPAC appealed to local contractors to live up to expectations, stressing that their actions undermine the state government’s development agenda.
“These abandoned projects are being handled by our local contractors—our brothers. They are not helping the governor, and they are not helping Ebonyi State,” Nwaze said.
The council also faulted commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants responsible for project monitoring, accusing them of failing to effectively support the governor.
“The governor cannot award projects and still come down to execute them himself,” he added.
IPAC called on Governor Nwifuru to take decisive action by compelling contractors to return to site, terminating non-performing contracts, and involving security agencies where necessary to recover funds already disbursed.
Despite its criticisms, the council commended several members of the state executive council for outstanding performance.
IPAC praised the State Attorney General, as well as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, citing the revival of the state hatchery, which it said is now competitive due to innovative reforms.
The council also applauded the Commissioner for Education overseeing primary and secondary schools for sanitizing the sector and clamping down on fake and substandard schools, including the sealing of properties used for illegal educational operations.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education was commended for effective scholarship administration, benefiting Ebonyi students both within and outside Nigeria.
IPAC further praised the Commissioner for Environment, noting that Ebonyi State was recently ranked as the second cleanest state in Nigeria on the national environmental chart.
Nwaze emphasized that IPAC’s support for the governor is non-partisan and guided by the people’s charter of needs, noting that the council comprises members from different political parties.
He also commended Governor Nwifuru for fostering an inclusive and peaceful political atmosphere in the state.
“Today, you can see PDP, APGA, and other political parties operating freely. We commend the governor for accommodating all parties and sustaining peace in Ebonyi State,” he said.
The IPAC chairman urged the governor to sustain his development drive, describing ongoing projects and reforms as people-oriented initiatives rather than partisan efforts.
