The Ebonyi State Government has pushed back on claims that public contracts are being used as political rewards, insisting due process remains the rule.
The Ebonyi State Government says contract awards are not being used to “empower stakeholders,” but are strictly guided by merit and due process.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, said in Abakaliki that all contracts go through the Bureau for Public Procurement, ensuring only qualified bidders are selected.
He stressed that while the government supports stakeholders in other ways, it does not use public contracts as a political patronage tool.
Omebe also addressed concerns over project execution, noting that the state has taken tough action against contractors accused of poor or abandoned jobs.
He revealed that the State Executive Council recently ordered the termination of several 2km road projects that were either poorly executed or left incomplete after payment.
According to him, monitoring committees have been set up to inspect project sites, verify work progress, and ensure accountability before further payments are made.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to completing key infrastructure inherited from previous administrations.
Omebe further disclosed that the EXCO approved ₦1.3 billion for air-conditioning works at the Ebonyi State Trade Centre, directing immediate commencement of the project.
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