Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on the Federal Government to reimburse the state for the funds it has expended on the construction of roads on Federal Highways. The governor made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and his team, who are on a tour of Federal Road projects across the country.
Governor Nwifuru emphasized that receiving a refund for these road projects would allow the state to redirect its resources towards addressing other critical infrastructure needs in various parts of Ebonyi State. He expressed concern over the handling of the rehabilitation work on the Abakaliki – Afikpo road, where it is alleged that the contractor misappropriated funds intended for the project without completing the work.
In addition to calling for a refund, Governor Nwifuru also placed blame on contractors and engineers for inadequate supervision of projects, particularly in the South East region of the country. This criticism highlights the need for improved oversight and accountability in infrastructure projects to ensure that they are executed efficiently and to the required standards.
The appeal by Governor Nwifuru underscores the importance of effective collaboration between state and federal authorities to address critical infrastructure needs and ensure that public funds are used judiciously for the benefit of the people.
“Our major problem in this country is one not knowing his job schedule and that is why we are having shoddy jobs everywhere, all constructions should be channeled to the Federal Ministry of Works because they have all the manpower and capacity to do quality jobs.”
Governor Nwifuru applauded former Governor Umahi for laying a solid infrastructural base upon which he is currently advancing the development of the State as Governor.
“Under his watch, the money of Ebonyi circulated within Ebonyi, he got the raw materials from Ebonyi and he used locals to do the job.”
Earlier, Minister Sen. Umahi congratulated Governor Nwifuru for his outstanding performance in office within his first 100 days.
“Your Excellency I congratulate you on your 100 days in office, in 100 days you have defined your direction and focus, so I commend you and I want you to be focused and do everything to carry all the shades of the State together.”
While calling on Ebonyians to continue to support the Governor to transform the State, Chief Umahi assured that he would cooperate with him to attract more democracy dividends to the people from the Federal Government.
“Your Excellency we bring you renewed hope, first is to congratulate the State for the victory of President Tinubu.
“We have to key into the centre to be treated like others, now that Mr . President has graciously done what has never been done by giving us the Minister of Works, we are going to rewrite the wrongs.
“When the cost of projects are hiked with low funding, the tendency is that the project could be abandoned, Nigerians under me Will get value for their money and we are going to be very transparent about it.”
He called on Governors to introduce Parks along Highways to ensure ease of transportation.
The Minister was accompanied by the Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi and top management of the Federal Ministry of Works.
