The Turn-By-Turn Initiative, a prominent pro-democracy group, has applauded the Ebonyi State Government for taking decisive action against stakeholders involved in executing substandard projects and diverting public funds. This move, they say, sends a strong message against corruption and negligence in the state’s infrastructure development.
Comrade Benjamin Nworie, the National Convener of the group, expressed his support for the state government’s recent arrests of influential political figures who had misappropriated funds intended for critical projects. Nworie criticized these stakeholders for sabotaging the state’s progress by abandoning their projects and pocketing the allocated funds.
During a recent inspection by the state government, several contractors fled their project sites to avoid arrest, further highlighting the rampant misconduct. Nworie emphasized that the government’s actions are a positive step toward accountability, praising the Commissioner’s bold decision to order the arrest and detention of high-profile individuals who had previously considered themselves untouchable.
“We commend the Ebonyi State Government for standing firm and arresting these influential stakeholders who believed they could get away with embezzling public funds. Their detention serves as a powerful deterrent to all contractors, regardless of their status,” Nworie said.
He urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to continue the crackdown on contractors who have either abandoned their projects or delivered substandard work. Nworie further called for the arrest of other fleeing stakeholders, insisting they should refund the diverted funds and face the full force of the law.
Highlighting specific cases, Nworie pointed to the Ezillo-Ezzagu road project, awarded nearly 10 months ago, as a glaring example of failure. He noted that progress on the road has been alarmingly slow, with work only resuming when government officials are scheduled for inspections.
“It’s disgraceful that after nearly a year, the Ezillo-Ezzagu road project is still far from completion, and work is only carried out when state officials are set to visit. This is a clear act of sabotage,” Nworie added.
The group also revealed that other major projects across the state, awarded to local stakeholders, are either abandoned or poorly executed. To ensure the state’s development agenda stays on track, Turn-By-Turn Initiative has called on the government to terminate these contracts and reassign them to capable contractors.
