Ebonyi bans unauthorised construction of hotels, petrol stations, others

The Ebonyi Government has banned unauthorised construction of hotels, petrol stations, schools, restaurants, hospitals and pharmacy shops.

Mr Emmanuel Uzor, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. David Umahi, made the disclosure in Abakaliki on Friday at a news conference on the outcome of the state Executive Council’s (EXCO) meeting.

Uzor said that the construction of such establishments must be authorised by the state government as defaulters would be punished according to stipulations of the law.

“The rate at which hotels, among other establishments are being constructed in Abakaliki and environs is alarming and the government no longer found it palatable.

“Any person intending to construct such structures would apply through the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Capital Territory Development, who would present it to the EXCO.

“The EXCO would in turn review the request and consider its merits and demerits before taking a decision that would be beneficial to all,” he said.

The CPS also said that the council had called for an immediate end to hostilities between Enyigba community of Abakaliki Local Government Area and Ekpomaka community in Ikwo Local Government Area.

“The EXCO has received several petitions from both parties and counter claims of which community attacked first and launched reprisals.

“The governor expressed dismay that two sister communities would fight to the extent of killing one another and directed both council chairmen to convey a stakeholders’ meeting immediately.

“The governor directed an end to hostilities within 24 hours and directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute the instigators, no matter how highly placed,’’ Uzor said.

The CPS said the governor also frowned at the rate hate speeches and inciting statements were made on the social media and urged those involved to desist forthwith.

“The country is currently grappling with several social and economic challenges as citizens are urged to desist from statements which would aggravate tensions in the state and the country,’’ he said. (NAN)