From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru said his administration is committed to the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.
The governor made this known at his Amegu ancestral home during the grand finale of the 2024 Izzi Nnodo new yam festival.
Nwifuru, who stated that he had directed the head of service to come up with what it would take to implement the new minimum wage, commended the people of Izhi Nnodo for holding tenaciously to their culture which he said had distinguished them from others and called for its sustenance.
According to him, “Today is the great Akwaha Oba Nri Ojiji Izhi, the new yam festival that offers deep insight into the context of the distinguished identity, rich heritage and cultural nuances of my Izhi people.
“This special occasion is a testament to our rich cultural heritage and our people’s unwavering commitment to our agelong traditions.”
He tasked contractors to ensure timely completion of projects and warned that there would be no sacred cow when contractors renege on project agreements.
“I have directed the commissioner for housing to go after those that have not completed their projects in Izzo and Amaeze Autonomous Communities.
“It is annoying that as a government, we will award contracts, only for contractors to be found wanting. We will not tolerate this. We have given a grace of 60 days to complete all awarded projects. We have road projects spread across the 13 council areas.
“I have directed senior special assistants and special assistants to go round and monitor ongoing projects in their respective zones. Sadly, we are getting reports of some contractors not reporting to site. This is totally unacceptable. Upon the expiration of this grace, we will go after them,” Nwifuru stressed.
The governor frowned at indiscriminate sale of lands at Amagu and Ebiya communities by some youths, describing it as a sacrilege and challenged elders and traditional rulers to dissolve the community youth association and constitute those who would be stringent in implementing law of the land.
Earlier, 6chairman of the event, Mr Elias Mbam commended the governor for embarking on projects that have positive impact on the people.
“If you look at this government, you all agree with me that it is doing well in line with its manifesto.
“I want all contractors, all appointees of the governor of Izzi extraction to shun nepotism. They should stop seeing the governor as my brother. Such mindset is harmful, please desist.
“We will resist every attempt to sabotage this government. We must support it because it is our own,” he said.
