The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy, and EBSIEC Matters continued its familiarization visit to Ivo Local Government Area, where they toured the three Development Centers—Akaeze, Echiele, and Ivo.
During the visit, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Goodluck Obinna Mbam, called for the immediate restoration of peace and order, emphasizing that stability is crucial for the people to fully enjoy the good governance of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration.
However, the visit was overshadowed by a resurgence of the long-standing crisis in the area, with reports of fresh killings and attacks. Due to security concerns, the committee had to alter their route to their destination.
Despite the security challenges, the committee proceeded with their oversight functions, beginning at Akaeze Development Center. They inspected ongoing projects, including the construction of a magistrate court building, the grading and lateriting of the Nkwobo-Ugwu Iyioji road, and erosion control measures at Amumaka road. Expressing satisfaction with the quality of work, they commended the Coordinator, Hon. Barr. Chinasa Okorie, urging him to embark on more legacy projects that would enhance the well-being of the people.
At Echiele Development Center, the committee condemned the substandard projects initiated by the Coordinator, Princess Francisca Okeke. They directed her to engage professional engineers to ensure quality job execution. The Committee Chairman particularly frowned upon the poorly constructed culvert, the perimeter fencing at Echiele Secretariat, and the drainage system at Amaokwe, describing them as death traps. Consequently, he ordered their removal and insisted on quality replacements.
At Ivo Development Center, the committee was displeased with the general lack of development and the poor sanitation of the area. They urged the Coordinator, Hon. Aja Donatius Ikenna, to initiate projects that would uplift the center and improve the lives of residents.
In response, Hon. Barr. Chinasa Okorie lamented the recurring crisis in the area despite government intervention. He assured the committee that more efforts would be made to restore peace, including seeking further assistance from the state government and sensitizing the warring factions on the grave consequences of violence.
Barr. Okorie also took the committee around his projects, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the people of Akaeze Development Center benefit from the dividends of democracy.