The Ebonyi State Government has initiated the demolition of illegal buildings and shanties in Abakaliki, the state capital, starting on Thursday. The Commissioner of the Ministry of Capital City Development, Hon. Inyima Sunday, explained that this demolition is part of a plan to enhance the appearance of the state capital.
The demolition work which commenced at Hausa Quarters extended to Leech Street and Hilltop Junction at Water Works, where shanties were dismantled. Addressing journalists, Inyima highlighted that the state capital is rapidly evolving into a city, necessitating the removal of illegal structures to maintain the city’s image.
He mentioned that successive administrations, including the current administration led by Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, had issued notices and removal orders regarding these illegal structures. Inyima emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “Abakaliki has grown into a metropolis like any other city, and we cannot continue to condone this.”
He further explained, “The flyover you see here is the flyover from the government house, and the road you see here leads to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. What if a high-profile personality visits the State and wants to go to the House of Assembly? Will it be appropriate to showcase shanties along the road? No! That is why we are insistent on their removal, and we are here to assist in removing them.”
