The governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, FNSE, FNATE has expressed readiness to partner with the Contractors of Ebonyi State Ring-Road Project to execute the projects without hindrances. He directed the contractors to collaborate with Stakeholders in the Council areas to ensure sufficient security for their personnel and equipment.
The Governor announced the suspension of work at section two lot four of the Abakaliki Ring road along Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area for seven days over insecurity in the axis.
Governor Umahi announced this during an enlarged site inspection meeting on Wednesday in the Governor's Office, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
Governor Umahi who expressed sadness over the incident where some of the Consultants handling the project in lot four were abducted by unknown gunmen on November 3rd, 2021, directed the Local Government Chairmen, Coordinators of Development Centres, Traditional Rulers, and Development Union Chairmen to submit a written affidavit of commitment to Security of personnel in the sites within seven days.
"So far we have not had an incidence of insecurity in the axis of 135 to Ezza North, Ezza North to Ikwo, Ikwo to Abakaliki, and Abakaliki to Izzi, Izzi down to Ebonyi Local Government Area.
"Where we believe we have problems is the axis of Ohaukwu and that is Effium axis in particular.
"The entire Ring road project is threatened and I will be willing to shut down any of the sections that will not comply with my directive.
"I need an affidavit from all the Traditional Rulers where the road is passing, Town Union Presidents, Local Government Chairmen, and Development Centre Coordinators. They will give me sworn affidavit. The affidavit is that they will take responsibility for the security of the contractors, the consultants, everyone that is involved in the discharge of their duties and also their equipment."
Governor Umahi announced that the Government would not hesitate to shut down work on any axis of the project should the Stakeholders fail to do the needful within the stipulated time.
"Anyone I don't get after seven days, no negotiations, I will shut down that section."
He also directed the Stakeholders at the Local Government level to liaise with the Contractors to ensure adequate Security of the Contractors and their equipment including the engagement of local vigilante and contractors' Liason officers.
He appealed to Traditional Rulers to volunteer laterite to the Contractors to ensure seamless execution of the Project.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, Security Chiefs, Local Government Chairmen, Coordinators of Development Centres, and Traditional Rulers of benefitting Communities and Contractors also attended the site inspection meeting.