Nwifuru dismisses reports of 5 commissioners’ arrest

The Ebonyi State Government has dismissed reports claiming that Governor Francis Nwifuru ordered the arrest of five commissioners due to delays in project delivery and breaches of contract.

In a statement issued by Chief Donatus Ilang, the Chairman of the Ebonyi Executive Council (EXCO) committee overseeing two state housing projects, the government refuted the claims. Ilang, who also serves as the Commissioner for Border, Peace, and Conflict Resolution, labeled the report as “false and unfounded.”

He clarified that no commissioner had been arrested and suggested that those spreading the rumors were simply fabricating the story. “You can confirm from the police and other security agencies that no commissioner was arrested,” Ilang said. “The people writing such fake news are doing so from their imagination.”

Ilang acknowledged that the governor had expressed his displeasure over delays in the housing projects but emphasized that the decision was to take firm actions against the contractors at fault, not against any government officials. He added that the commissioners had pledged to provide the committee with relevant information to address the issues with the contractors.

The housing projects, which include 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities in Ishielu Local Government Area, were initiated by the state government to meet the housing needs of those displaced by the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal crisis.

Ebonyi Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed to newsmen that no commissioners were in police custody.