In a stunning political shake-up, Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has wielded the big stick—suspending a staggering 87 government officials, including commissioners, special advisers, and local government chairmen, over their absence at a key state function.
The governor’s action followed the low turnout of top government functionaries at a recent state-organized public event, which he described as “a gross display of indiscipline and disrespect to the people of Ebonyi.”
Governor Nwifuru, visibly furious, announced the mass suspension on Monday during a state executive meeting, stating that public service in Ebonyi must be taken seriously.
“How can we claim to serve the people yet disrespect the platforms meant to engage them? This government will not tolerate negligence or unseriousness,” the governor declared.
Sources at the Government House confirmed that the suspended officials failed to attend the flag-off of a major health outreach program meant to benefit thousands across rural communities.
Political observers see this as Nwifuru’s boldest move yet in asserting control and restoring order within his administration.
Among those affected are key cabinet members from Works, Health, Agriculture, and Education ministries, along with some local government chairpersons and appointees.
The governor has directed the Head of Service to compile the full list of suspended individuals and ensure all access privileges, official vehicles, and entitlements are withdrawn with immediate effect.
Analysts say the move could send ripples across the political landscape of the South-East, setting a new tone for governance discipline.
Meanwhile, the streets of Abakaliki are abuzz, with many citizens applauding the governor’s action as “long overdue.”
Source: @Saharareporters
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