Ikpeazu suspends agency chief over collapsed building

Abia Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has suspended Executive Secretary Aba Town Planning Authority, Okezie Ahutionye, over the collapse of a three-storey building in Aba, which claimed five lives.

He stated this during a visit to the site where he expressed deep sadness over the incident.

The visibly- angry Governor also expressed shock at the low-quality materials used to erect the building.

He also directed security agents to arrest the developer of the property and bring him to justice swiftly.

Ikpeazu, who expressed a desire to meet with the family of the victims, also directed the Ministry of Land, Planning, and Survey to improve supervision at construction sites.

He and condemned those who embark on the construction of buildings without obtaining proper approvals, warning them to desist from such acts or face dire consequences.

Ikpeazu was accompanied by his Deputy Ude Chukwu and Acting Transition Council Chairman of Aba South LGA, Evangelist Fred Aja Ogwo, among other top government officials.

He also appointed Deputy General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Chief Roland Nwakanma, as the site coordinator of the ongoing search and recovery efforts of the government.

Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, disclosed this while addressing newsmen after the commissioning of Abia state Infectious Disease Hospital and COVID-19 treatment center in Aba.

He assured the Governor is directly supervising the recovery efforts and will ensure that anyone found culpable in the building collapse will be brought to justice. (The Nation)