Just In: Top APC Governor Suspends 25 Commissioners, 66 Others
- Governor Nwifuru of Ebonyi state suspended 25 commissioners and 66 officials for skipping a major government function
- Suspended officers, including SSAs, SAs, and permanent secretaries, were placed on a one-month no-salary suspension, effective immediately.
- The governor warned against absenteeism, insisting that all appointees must prioritise state duties over private engagements
Abakaliki, Ebonyi state – Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has ordered the immediate suspension of 25 commissioners and 66 other government officials for failing to attend a key state function.
The affected officials include 14 senior special assistants (SSAs), 24 special assistants (SAs), and 22 permanent secretaries.
Source: Facebook
The suspension is to last for one month without salary.
Suspension takes immediate effect
The announcement was made late Monday night, July 28, in a statement issued by the governor’s chief press secretary, Dr Monday Uzor.
According to Uzor,
“The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function.”
He added that the suspension takes effect immediately and that the suspended Ebonyi officials are not allowed to sign any official documents throughout the period.
Commissioners hand over to permanent secretaries
The statement noted that all affected commissioners must hand over responsibilities to their respective permanent secretaries, Premium Times reported.
Uzor explained that the governor’s decision reflects his commitment to discipline and accountability in public service.
“The governor remains firm in ensuring that all government officials uphold the highest standards of conduct and dedication in serving the people of Ebonyi State,” he said.
Nwifuru says absenteeism reason for disciplinary action
Source: Twitter
This action follows repeated warnings from Governor Nwifuru over what he described as the growing trend of absenteeism among government functionaries.
“He had earlier expressed sadness over the consistent absenteeism of his aides during official government functions. Many of them prefer to attend to private matters in place of their official duties," the statement recalled.
Names of suspended commissioners in Ebonyi released
Some of the suspended commissioners include:
- Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam
- Prof. Leonard Uguru
- Dr. Mathew Nwobashi
- Prof. Nwogo Obasi
- Hon. Victor Chukwu
- Engr. Jude Okpor
- Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe
- Hon. Chidi Onyia
- Chief Oguzo-Offia Nwali
- Dr. Ben Uruchi Odo
Others are:
- Dr. Donatus Ilang
- Dr. Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu
- Dr. Moses Ekuma Ikenna
- Chief Richard Idike
- Barr. Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma
- Hon. Chinedu Nkah
- Engr. Ogbonna Obasi Abara
- Mrs. Nkechinyere Iyioku
- Engr. Francis Ori
- Hon. Tochukwu Okorie
- Barr. Valentine Okike Uzo
- Chief Sunday Inyima
- Hon. Ogbonnaya Okorie
- Chief Elechi Elechi
- Hon. Stanley Ogbuewu
The governor’s firm stance is seen as a clear signal that laxity and indiscipline will no longer be tolerated in his administration.
Gov Nwifuru gets 48hrs to sack SSG
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a group representing Ebonyi indigenes in the diaspora called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to sack the secretary to the state government(SSG), Prof Grace Umezuruike.
In a statement sent to Legit.ng on Tuesday, July 22, the group said it's making the call following a court order for the interim forfeiture of over one billion naira allegedly diverted from public funds.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
