In a significant move, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has suspended two of his commissioners and three other government officials over allegations of misconduct and dereliction of duties. The suspensions, which were announced on Monday, are part of the governor’s efforts to ensure accountability and improve the performance of the state’s administration. The suspended officials have been directed to return all government properties, including vehicles, to the Secretary to the Government by the close of business on Monday, November 25, 2024.

The two main figures affected by the suspension are Dr. Moses Ekuma, the Commissioner for Health, and Mr. Francis Ori, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development.

• Dr. Moses Ekuma, who has been suspended indefinitely, is under investigation for alleged theft of government property. This follows a surprise visit by Governor Nwifuru to the Ministry of Health, where he discovered six individuals involved in the theft of Ministry assets. The governor quickly ordered the arrest of those involved, and the suspension is likely linked to this ongoing investigation.
• Mr. Francis Ori, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, has been suspended for three months. His suspension is partly due to his handling of the Amaeze housing project in Ishielu Local Government Area, which reportedly faced issues of poor execution. Additionally, Ori’s overall performance and inability to meet critical project deadlines were cited as factors in his suspension. The governor had previously warned him to deliver on key projects or face consequences.

Along with the two commissioners, other key officials from the Ministry of Health have also been suspended. These include the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and the executive secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.

The suspensions were confirmed after a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Nwifuru in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Monday. The governor’s actions have sparked discussions about the need for better governance and the importance of accountability in the state’s public administration.

The governor’s decision to suspend these officials comes in the wake of several reported issues within the health ministry, including the theft of government property. During the unscheduled visit to the Ministry of Health, Governor Nwifuru caught six people allegedly diverting government-owned goods. Their subsequent arrest and the governor’s strict stance reflect his commitment to rooting out corruption within his administration.

As for Mr. Ori, his suspension is linked to the handling of key housing projects, particularly the Amaeze housing scheme. Governor Nwifuru had given Ori specific targets to deliver on important housing projects, warning him that failure to do so would result in severe consequences. The suspension followed a pattern of underperformance that, according to insiders, had already raised concerns within the state government.

In light of these suspensions, the governor has taken immediate steps to ensure that operations continue smoothly. The Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health has been appointed to take charge of the Ministry of Health in Dr. Ekuma’s absence. This move is aimed at ensuring that the health sector does not face a leadership vacuum during this period.

The decision to suspend these high-ranking officials demonstrates Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to restoring discipline and accountability in the state government. His actions are seen as a strong message to other public officials in Ebonyi State, emphasizing that gross misconduct and poor performance will not be tolerated.