BY VICTOR NWEGEDE
Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State has directed all the grassroot leaders to submit to him, a sworn affidavit of commitment to the security of the ring road workers in their various areas within seven days.
He gave this directive on Wednesday during an enlarged site inspection meeting held at the Governor's Office, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, following the abduction of the consultants handling the ring road project in lot four by the unknown gunmen on November 3rd, 2021.
The governor at the meeting attended by the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, security chiefs, local government chairmen, coordinators of development centres and traditional rulers of the benefitting communities and the contractors, expressed sadness over the ugly incident.
He maintained that the grassroot leaders including the local government chairmen, coordinators of development centres, traditional rulers, and town union presidents should submit a written affidavit, expressing their commitment to the security of the personnel in the sites within the stipulated period.
He also directed the suspension of work at section two lot four of the Abakaliki ring road along Effium axis in Ohaukwu Local Government Area for seven days because of the security challenges within the zone.
Umahi asked the contractors to collaborate with the stakeholders in the local government areas to ensure sufficient security for their personnel and tools.
He said: "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."
The governor warned that the state 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 warned.
Umahi equally directed the stakeholders at the local government level to liaise with the contractors to ensure the adequate security of their lives and equipment including the engagement of local vigilante and contractors' liasion officers.
He as well appealed to the traditional rulers to volunteer laterite to the contractors to ensure seamless execution of the project in their various localities.
