*By David Uka, Abakaliki*
Ebonyi State Government has announced the sealing of the Abakaliki Rice Mill over an adulterated and poisonous rice being discovered in the mill.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, Hon Kenneth Ugbala made this disclosure while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Abakaliki.
He said the decision to shut down the rice mill flowed from an intelligence report from the State Ministry of Environment that the adulterated and poisonous rice was discovered at the market which was sold to unsuspecting members of the public.
He said the rice was discovered to be poisonous forcing the state government to close down the market temporary till further notice.
The SSA said the market will be reopened after investigations to discover and clear the market of such adulterated rice.
In a related development, the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Ugo Nnachi said the State Executive Council also terminated the procedure for the disbursement of the SME loans which was being handled by Bank of Industry.
According to her, the state government will now handle the procedure to ensure speedy disbursement to benefiting SMEs in the state.
According to her, the State government resolved to take over the disbursement due to the delays and inability of the BOI to carry out the disbursement since the funds were raised and lodged with the bank by the state government.
