Governor Nwifuru Suspends 87 Officials, Including 25 Commissioners, for Skipping State Function

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has taken decisive action, suspending a total of 87 government officials, including 25 commissioners and 62 aides, for their failure to attend a crucial state function. The governor’s directive, announced on Monday night, July 28, 2025, underscores his administration’s commitment to discipline and accountability in public service.

The sweeping suspension affects all 25 Commissioners in the state, alongside 14 Senior Special Assistants, 24 Special Assistants, and 22 Permanent Secretaries. These officials are to proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary, effective immediately.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, the drastic measure was taken due to their unexplained absence from “an important government function.” The specific nature of the skipped event was not disclosed in the statement, but sources indicate it was a significant gathering requiring the full presence of key government appointees.

During the period of their suspension, the affected officials are expressly barred from signing any official documents. Furthermore, all suspended commissioners have been directed to immediately hand over their responsibilities to their respective permanent secretaries, ensuring that government operations are not unduly disrupted.

Chief Press Secretary Monday Uzor reiterated Governor Nwifuru’s firm resolve to instill a culture of dedication and high standards among all government functionaries. “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 governor remains firm in ensuring all government officials uphold the highest standards of conduct and dedication in serving the people of Ebonyi State.”

This unprecedented action by Governor Nwifuru is widely seen as a strong message against laxity and dereliction of duty, signaling his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline. Observers believe the move is intended to reinforce administrative responsibility and commitment to public service in Ebonyi State.