Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
There is widespread outrage in Ebonyi State following the suspension of over 87 government officials, including commissioners, by Governor Francis Nwifuru on Monday.
The suspensions, initially announced as punishment for failing to attend an “important state function,” were later revealed to be related to the burial of the mother of one of the governor’s close friends and political allies.
Background
Ikengaonline had earlier reported that the officials were sanctioned for failing to attend what was described as a significant government function over the weekend.
Those affected include 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries.
Burial of Mother of Governor’s Ally
However, investigations by this newspaper confirmed that the “state function” in question was the funeral of the late Chief Mrs. Rosemary Nkwuda Ojiugwo, mother of Chief Innocent Elechi Ojiugwo, a prominent businessman from the governor’s Izzi clan and a major financial backer of his campaign.
The governor reportedly directed the entire state machinery to mobilize for the burial held at Abofia in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
Government Manifest for Burial
A manifest seen by this reporter showed that virtually all government appointees were listed to accompany the governor to the funeral.
The document read: “Funeral Service of Late Chief Mrs. Rosemary Nkwuda Ojiugwo, Mother of Chief Innocent Elechi Ojiugwo, CEO, Maths Metal Recycling Company.”
Those mandated to attend alongside the governor included: Deputy Governor Patricia Obila; Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Members of the National and State Assemblies; APC State Chairman and Local Government Chairmen; Commissioners and principal officers; Senior Special Assistants; Special Assistants; Personal Assistants, and Permanent Secretaries; Chairmen and Members of Boards and Commissions; Coordinators of Development Centres; Local Government Advisory Committee members; Various support and youth groups.
Governor’s Flight Delay
Governor Nwifuru was reportedly delayed in Abuja due to flight issues with Air Peace, prompting him to instruct his deputy to represent him at the burial.
One of his aides, Leo Oketa, confirmed this in a social media statement, saying: “The Governor’s official engagement for Friday, July 25, 2025, was a funeral at Abofia in Ebonyi LGA. Due to Air Peace delays, he asked the Deputy Governor to stand in for him and directed all government officials to attend.”
Oketa also revealed that the Governor’s Chief Protocol Officer had issued an attendance directive and kept a register.
Upon his return, the governor was said to be furious after reviewing the attendance and discovering that a large number of officials had failed to show up.
“On Monday at the office, the governor requested the attendance list and ordered the immediate suspension of those absent. This is not the first time he has warned against absenteeism at official functions. This time, he had to act,” Oketa stated.
Public Backlash
The justification for the suspension has sparked even greater outrage.
Ikechukwu Elom, a political commentator, questioned the rationale behind compelling the entire government to attend a private burial.
“Is it ignorance or sheer incompetence? How does a private burial qualify as a state function, warranting the attendance of all state officials? And those who didn’t go were suspended,” he queried.
He added, “How many ministers or permanent secretaries accompanied President Tinubu to Buhari’s burial in Daura, which was actually a state burial?
“Sometimes, silence is golden. In trying to explain, the media aide has only worsened the situation and exposed poor judgment at the highest levels.”
