The Acting Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, has ordered the arrest of contractors responsible for the construction of the Amaeze/Izzo Housing Estate, citing poor workmanship and the use of substandard materials.
During an unscheduled inspection of the site, Obila expressed outrage over the state of the buildings, many of which have begun to show structural defects despite not yet being occupied. She criticized the contractors for what she described as a gross betrayal of public trust and a clear sabotage of government development efforts.
Obila, visibly disturbed by the conditions she encountered, said the project was scheduled to have been completed and commissioned this month. Instead, the site remains unfinished, and some of the buildings are already deteriorating. She warned that the state government would no longer tolerate contractors who compromise safety and quality for profit. According to her, anyone found culpable would not only be arrested but also held accountable for endangering the lives of future residents.
Her visit to the Amaeze/Izzo Housing Estate was part of a broader inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across Ishielu, Ohaukwu, and Abakaliki local government areas. These included road construction, classroom blocks, and industrial developments in several communities. While some projects received commendation for their progress and quality, others were flagged for delays and substandard execution.
Obila called on contractors with pending deliverables to accelerate their work, stressing the administration’s commitment to delivering results under Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs, which prioritizes infrastructure, education, and economic development.
She also expressed gratitude to community stakeholders for their continued support of the current administration, assuring them that despite challenges, the government remained focused on completing key projects across the state.
Meanwhile, former Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Nwankwagu, added his voice to the matter, urging the state government to go beyond contract termination. He called for the prosecution of contractors found to have compromised quality, arguing that only firm legal consequences would deter future misconduct in the execution of public projects.
