Govt Revokes Haulage Contracts In Ebonyi State

The Ebonyi government has revoked all haulage contracts in the State for revalidation and enhanced revenue generation.

Dr Ifeanyi Ike, the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, announced this on Sunday during a meeting with haulage contractors in Abakaliki.

He said that those affected by the revocation order included contractors whose job orders had already expired and those whose job orders are yet to expire.

According to him, the State government is all out to shore up its revenue base in the most aggressive manner.

“I wish to state categorically that Ebonyi State government is all out to gear up towards revenue generation in the most aggressive form to raise enough fund for us to continue with our development projects.”

Ike explained that all fresh bids would be strictly based on due process while only serious and competent contractors would be engaged for the haulage contract.

The Commissioner expressed  regret that most of the haulage contractors had in the past ripped the State of revenue due to it in a process that enriched their pockets.

“Ebonyi State is bequeathed with abundant natural resources, yet it is not reaping from it due to misappropriation, avarice and embezzlement by some disgruntled few.

“It is disheartening that some people are not willing to be truthful in rendering account of the revenue collected for the government. We are now out and determined to stop such and improve the revenue base of the State.

“I am not impressed with what I saw on the paper by some of you who say they are haulage contractors. Some of you see the government as an elephant meat where anybody takes from.”

Ike, therefore, cautioned that enough was enough as the State could no longer tolerate embezzlement and misappropriation of its revenue.

“The State has various development projects which require huge financial resources to accomplish.

“I wish to state categorically that government is all out to improve its revenue base to enable it meet the challenges of its development thrust,” the commissioner explained.

Ike had earlier met with members of the House of Assembly Committee on Commerce and Industry, led by its chairman, Mr Vincent Mbam.