Ebonyi CSOs Challenge Government Over $27M Grant Loss

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ebonyi State, including the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Human Rights Action Group (HRAG), and Good Life Initiative (GLI), responded to claims made by the Ebonyi State government regarding a missed $27 million World Bank grant. The CSOs alleged that the state failed to meet the necessary performance targets and reform deadlines in education, primary healthcare, and public financial management, contributing to the state's status as one of the poorest in Nigeria.

In a swift rebuttal, Boniface Nwankwo, the Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attempts to undermine the administration's achievements. He emphasized the government's commitment to delivering inclusive development and attracting federal grants.

The CSOs countered that their position was based on thorough research and genuine concern for the welfare of Ebonyi citizens, asserting that the government had failed to meet World Bank standards for performance assessment.