Event
In a bold move to reinforce discipline and accountability in public service, the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, FCAI, GGCEHF, has ordered the suspension of 100 top government officials for their failure to attend an important government function.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the affected officers—comprising 25 Commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants, 24 Special Assistants, and 22 Permanent Secretaries—are to proceed on one-month working suspension without salary.
The directive takes immediate effect, and all affected officials are barred from signing or handling any official documents throughout the suspension period. In addition, suspended Commissioners have been directed to hand over all duties to their respective Permanent Secretaries.
Affected Officials Include:
- Commissioners such as Prof. Leonard Uguru, Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, Chief Richard Idike, and Hon. Stanley Ogbuewu.
- Senior Special Assistants including Hon. Bassey Chukwu, Mrs. Rose Ofoke, and Hon. Chinedu Awo.
- Special Assistants such as Tobias Ogbonna, Dr. Sabinus Nwibo, and Kizito Nwenyi.
- Permanent Secretaries including Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, Mrs. Ogechi Nwobasi, Dr. Lynda Alo, and Barr. Emmanuel Onwe.
Governor Nwifuru emphasized the need for commitment, responsiveness, and discipline among all public officers, especially at this critical stage of his administration’s development agenda.
“This government takes its responsibilities seriously and expects every official to demonstrate the same level of dedication to duty,” the statement read.
The mass suspension, considered one of the most sweeping disciplinary actions taken by any sitting governor in recent times, sends a clear message about the Nwifuru administration’s zero tolerance for negligence and dereliction of duty.
Observers say the decision also signals a push to reinforce institutional respect for state functions and strengthen the culture of service delivery across all government ministries and agencies.
More updates are expected as ministries and departments begin to adjust to the temporary reshuffling.
