**Ebonyi Government Denies Using Contracts to Empower Influential Stakeholders** The Ebonyi Government has dismissed claims that it uses contracts to empower influential stakeholders in the state. According to the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, contract awards in the state are based on merit and follow due processes at the State Bureau for Public Procurement. Omebe made this disclosure on Friday in Abakaliki while addressing newsmen. He emphasized that contractors who meet the required criteria are awarded contracts, as the government prioritizes due process. However, he clarified that the government takes care of stakeholders in other ways, but not through contracts. The commissioner highlighted the government's efforts to ensure contractors execute projects properly. He stated that the state Executive Council (EXCO) had observed that many contractors handling 2km roads had either abandoned their projects after receiving payments or completed them poorly. In response, the EXCO approved the immediate termination of all uncompleted 2km roads. This decision was made after an EXCO meeting on February 3, 2026, where the slow pace of work at road sites was noted. The supervising committees were directed to visit the sites, make recommendations for job termination, and review payment papers before making payments. Omebe emphasized that the government is committed to completing strategic projects initiated by previous administrations, which benefit the people. The commissioner also mentioned that the EXCO approved a request for a subcontractor to provide air-conditioning services at the Ebonyi State Trade Centre Project, allocating N1.3 billion for the project's immediate commencement.