Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has issued a stern warning to Local Government Chairmen and Coordinators of Development Centres, cautioning them against sabotaging government contracts and diverting empowerment initiatives.
Speaking during a Sunday service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, Nwifuru emphasized the need for accountability and urged local leaders to refrain from undermining government projects in their respective areas.
The governor called on Town Unions and other key community stakeholders to monitor and ensure that local projects are executed according to government specifications.
“If you are a coordinator or a local government chairman living in Abakaliki and rarely visit your village, don’t expect people to follow you,” Nwifuru stated. “You must work in the interest of the people. Our youths need your attention.”
Nwifuru highlighted the expectations for local leaders, noting that coordinators should be overseeing projects worth at least N10 million monthly, while chairmen should manage projects valued at no less than N20 million each month.
He also praised the youth of Ebonyi for abstaining from recent nationwide protests, interpreting their restraint as an encouragement for the government to continue its efforts.
“They didn’t protest because we are perfect; they encouraged us to do more. It is a challenge for us as government officials to ensure we do more,” Nwifuru said.
He made it clear that the ongoing empowerment initiatives are intended to benefit the youth, not government officials. “In this empowerment, we are not giving opportunities to members of the State Executive Council, Judiciary, LGA Chairmen, and Coordinators. We want the youth to benefit.”
Nwifuru also urged local leaders to take ownership in managing public utilities effectively.
