In an unexpected and sweeping disciplinary move, Governor Francis Nwifuru has ordered the suspension of 81 senior government officials for what he described as “gross negligence of duty” after they failed to attend a crucial government function.
The affected officials include 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, 14 senior special assistants, and 20 special assistants, all of whom have been placed on one-month suspension without pay, according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor.
“Governor Francis Nwifuru has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function,” the statement read.
As part of the disciplinary measures:
Suspended commissioners are to handover immediately to their respective permanent secretaries.
All suspended officials are barred from signing any official documents throughout the suspension period.
High-Ranking Officials Affected
Notable names among the suspended include:
Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Commissioner for Works
Prof. Leonard Uguru, Commissioner for Education
Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, Attorney General
Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, Commissioner for Health
And many other cabinet members and senior aides across various portfolios.
In the list of Senior Special Assistants are:
Hon. Bassey Chukwu
Mrs. Rose Ofoke
Mr. Fred Nwogbaga
Barr. Caleb Onwe, among others.
Also suspended were Permanent Secretaries from key ministries such as Education, Health, Finance, and Public Utilities, including:
Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo
Mrs. Rose Ibe
Barr. Peter Ede
Mrs. Joy Mbam
Barr. Ikechukwu Alobu
While the government has cited official negligence as the cause, political analysts suggest the move could signal deeper tensions within the administration.
The mass suspension, rare in its scale and timing, has stirred debate across Ebonyi’s political landscape, with critics questioning whether the punitive action may be masking internal fractures or loyalty tests.
Supporters of Governor Nwifuru argue the decision demonstrates his commitment to discipline, accountability, and performance-based governance, sending a strong signal to public officials about the seriousness of their responsibilities.
