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See Reasons Ebonyi Governor Suspends Two Commissioners, Seizes Official Vehicles

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 28th, 2024.

See Reasons Ebonyi Governor Suspends Two Commissioners, Seizes Official Vehicles

On Monday, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, announced the suspension of two commissioners and three other key government officials over allegations of “gross misconduct and dereliction of duties.”

The suspended officials, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, and the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Francis Ori, were instructed to return all government assets in their possession, including official vehicles, to the Secretary to the Government by the close of business on November 25, 2024.

Dr. Ekuma, who oversees the health sector, was suspended indefinitely, while Mr. Ori received a three-month suspension. Alongside them, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and the Executive Secretaries of the Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency were also suspended.

The suspensions were confirmed during a State Executive Council meeting, led by Governor Nwifuru, in Abakaliki on Monday. Sources indicated that Ekuma’s suspension might be linked to a recent incident in which six individuals were caught allegedly stealing government property at the Ministry of Health. Governor Nwifuru, who had made an unannounced visit to the ministry, ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ori’s suspension appears to be related to his handling of the Amaeze housing project in Ishielu Local Government Area, as well as his overall performance, which the governor reportedly deemed unsatisfactory. Ori had previously been given a directive by the governor to expedite the completion of critical projects or face consequences.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation outlined the suspensions, with additional directives for the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health to temporarily oversee the Ministry of Health in the absence of Dr. Ekuma.

This development highlights ongoing efforts by the Ebonyi State government to ensure accountability within its administration.