Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
In a sweeping disciplinary move, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended 87 government officials for failing to attend an important state function.
The suspended officials include 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries.
A statement issued Monday night by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, said the suspension is with immediate effect and will last for one month without salary.
“The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function,” the statement read.
The affected officials are also barred from signing any official documents during the suspension period.
Commissioners on the list have been directed to hand over to their respective permanent secretaries.
Some of the prominent names affected include Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Prof. Leonard Uguru, Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, Prof. Nwogo Obasi, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, Chief Sunday Inyima, and Hon. Stanley Ogbuewu.
Mr. Uzor emphasized that the Governor remains committed to upholding discipline and high standards of public service in Ebonyi State.
Observers say the action sends a strong message on accountability and reinforces Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to enforcing administrative discipline and dedication to duty.
