The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi State has expressed strong concerns over the abandonment of several ongoing government projects across the state, urging Governor Francis Nwifuru to compel defaulting contractors to return to site or face contract termination and possible recovery of public funds.
The State Chairman of IPAC, Comrade Nasir Ernest Nwaze, made this known during a press briefing in Abakaliki after the council’s annual project inspection tour. The exercise, he explained, is part of IPAC’s mandate to assess government performance, highlight gaps, and commend areas where progress has been recorded.
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 for traditional rulers; and selected housing estates, including the estate opposite Chiboy Estate in Abakaliki.
IPAC expressed disappointment over the condition of the Industrial City Clusters, where it reportedly found no workers on site.
“We didn’t meet anyone there. Even after notifying the supervising commissioner ahead of the visit, the site was completely deserted,” Nwaze said.
He added that findings suggested that contractors only resume work temporarily whenever they hear of a governor’s visit or inspection tour, only to abandon the site again afterward.
At the Aeronautical University in Onueke, IPAC observed that most structures were still below lintel level, indicating serious delays and possible abandonment. Nwaze noted that most of the contractors handling these projects are indigenous to Ebonyi State.
He disclosed that the most advanced structure at the Aeronautical University site—about 80 to 85 percent completed—was reportedly owned by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lazarus Nweru Ogbee.
In contrast, IPAC commended the pace of work at the ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja, where workers were actively engaged on site. The council also praised the level of progress at the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, describing it as consistent with Governor Nwifuru’s assurance that the project would be completed next year.
“As much as Oliver Twist will always ask for more, we can say that work is going on at the pace the governor desires,” Nwaze stated.
However, IPAC raised concerns over the underutilization of newly constructed bus stops under the Ministry of Transport. According to drivers and commuters, the ministry’s task force allegedly prevents buses from loading passengers at the designated stops, insisting they are meant for resting rather than boarding. IPAC noted that this has caused inconvenience, with passengers sometimes dropped far from their destinations.
While condemning the abandonment of projects, IPAC called on local contractors to be more responsible, warning that their actions undermine the governor’s efforts to empower indigenous businesses.
“These projects are handled by our brothers from Ebonyi. They are not helping the governor, and they are not helping the state,” Nwaze said.
The council also criticized commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants responsible for project monitoring, accusing them of poor supervision.
“The governor cannot award contracts and still come down to do the work himself,” he added.
IPAC urged Governor Nwifuru to take decisive action by compelling contractors back to site, terminating non-performing contracts, and involving security agencies where necessary to recover funds already released.
Despite the criticisms, the council commended several members of the state executive council for outstanding performance. IPAC praised the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, citing reforms that have made the state hatchery competitive in the market.
The Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary) was also applauded for sanitizing the education sector and shutting down fake and substandard schools, while the Commissioner for Tertiary Education was commended for effective scholarship administration benefiting Ebonyi students at home and abroad.
IPAC further praised the Commissioner for Environment, noting that Ebonyi State was recently ranked the second cleanest state in Nigeria on the national environmental chart.
Nwaze emphasized that IPAC’s support for Governor Nwifuru is people-driven and not based on party affiliation, stressing that the council comprises members from different political parties.
He also commended the governor for fostering peace and inclusiveness in the state’s political space.
“PDP, APGA, and other parties are operating freely. We commend the governor for the level of accommodation and the prevailing peace in Ebonyi State,” he said.
The IPAC chairman urged Governor Nwifuru to sustain his developmental agenda, describing ongoing projects and reforms as people-oriented initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Ebonyi residents.
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