Ebonyi Blacklists 29 Contractors Over Substandard, Delayed Jobs

Ebonyi State government has blacklisted 29 firms handling the Izzo and Amaeze autonomous communities 140 Housing Unit Estate in Ishielu local government area for poor and delayed jobs.

They were also barred from executing further contracts in the state till the end of the current administration.

The estate, according to the state government, is aimed at resettling the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Ezza, Ezillo communal war which led to the death of many persons and destruction of property worth billions of naira.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting yesterday at the New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, the commissioner for information and state orientation, Engr. Jude Okpor, said the council considered the report on the performance of the contractors handling the jobs before the decision to blacklist them was taken.

“Council approved the blacklisting of the contractors for unsatisfactory performance and barred them from executing further contracts till the end of the present administration,” he added.

He said no contractor, no matter how highly placed, would be allowed by the administration to unnecessarily delay government projects in the state.

Okpor who however did not list the names of the firms said that the state government is keen on commissioning major projects embarked upon adding that no excuse would be accepted for any delay in contract execution paid for.

On the Effium/Ezza Effium communal crisis, Engr. Okpor said council set up a peace committee to liaise with the earlier constituted implementation committee and concerned line ministries to actualize the Government White Paper on the restoration of permanent peace between the two warring communities.

Okpor said that the committee will be headed by the former minister of culture and tourism, Amb. Frank Ogbuewu while a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, will serve as secretary.

He said Governor Francis Nwifuru re-emphasised that his administration will continue to do everything to ensure peace in all parts of the state.

He assured that the government would ensure the implementation of the approved recommendations in the White Paper within the limit of the state economy, so as to have lasting peace between Effium and Ezza Effium in Ohaukwu LGA.

“Council directed the SSG to inaugurate the Peace Committee on the 9th of April, 2024 to enable them commence work immediately,” he said.