In a stunning and unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through Ebonyi State’s political landscape, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has wielded the axe on a staggering 87 top government officials, suspending them for one month without pay for what he described as “gross irresponsibility and a blatant dereliction of duty.”
The suspended officials—comprising 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries—were penalised for failing to attend a high-profile government function deemed crucial to the administration’s agenda.
In a strongly worded statement issued late Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Monday Uzor, the governor described the officials’ absence as unacceptable, a betrayal of public trust, and a serious violation of the principles of commitment and loyalty expected from public servants.
> “The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary for failing to attend an important government function,” the statement read. “During this suspension, the affected officials are barred from signing any government documents or engaging in any official capacity.”
Governor Nwifuru, known for his tough stance on accountability, also ordered that all suspended commissioners hand over to the most senior civil servants in their respective ministries with immediate effect, signalling that the business of governance must not stall due to individual lapses.
“This action reflects the governor’s unwavering commitment to discipline, order, and service delivery. Public office is a sacred trust, and those who occupy it must be seen to uphold the values of responsibility, responsiveness, and loyalty to the people of Ebonyi State,” Uzor added.
Suspended Commissioners Include: Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Prof. Leonard Uguru, Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, Prof. Nwogo Obasi, Hon. Victor Chukwu, Engr. Jude Okpor, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, Hon. Chidi Onyia, Chief Oguzo-Offia Nwali, Dr. Ben Uruchi Odo, Dr. Donatus Ilang, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Obichukwu, Dr. Moses Ekuma Ikenna, Chief Richard Idike, Barr. (Mrs.) Felicia Nwankpuma, Hon. Chinedu Nkah, Engr. Ogbonna Obasi Abara, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iyioku, Engr. Francis Ori, Hon. Tochukwu Okorie, Barr. Valentine Okike Uzo, Chief Sunday Inyima, Hon. Ogbonnaya Okorie, Chief Elechi Elechi, and Hon. Stanley Ogbuewu.
Suspended Senior Special Assistants: Hon. Bassey Chukwu, Mrs. Rose Ofoke, Mr. Kerian Ofoke, Hon. Anthony Nwegede, Hon. Onu Nwonye, Mrs. Lilian Nwachukwu, Mr. Fred Nwogbaga, Hon. Paul Nwogha, Hon. Pius Nwoga, Hon. Ali Ikechukwu, Hon. Nwiboko Chukwuma, Mrs. Esther Nwogha, Barr. Caleb Onwe, and Hon. Chinedu Awo.
Suspended Special Assistants: Mr. Mbam Emmanuel, Tobias Ogbonna, Easy Okike Uzo, Obinna Oko Enyim, Chima Nnachi Okoro, Nwali Amechi, Dr. Sabinus Nwibo, Okorie Jideofor, Sunday Ogenyi, Stanley Kamani, Ikechukwu Jideofor, Emeka Okpa Onwe, David Aja, Frank Uka, John Nwangbo, Ogbonna Melford Nwuruku, Ifeanyi Ujebe, Chima Ogbuagu, Kizito Nwenyi, Uwa Henry Ifeanyi, Elechi Okechukwu Solomon, Ibina John Ogbonna, Mbam Ifeanyi D., and Nwigum Nonso Christian.
Suspended Permanent Secretaries: Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, Dr. Isioma C. Arunne-Inyang, Mrs. Rose Ibe, Mrs. Ogechi Nwobasi, Mrs. Anwu Theresa, Dr. Lynda Alo, Mr. Monday Nkwuda, Mrs. Mary Ngozi Otozi, Mrs. Martina Obiya, Mrs. Ogechi Anaso-Kalu, Barr. Emmanuel Onwe, Mr. Henry Nworie, Mrs. Joy Mbam, Mrs. Henrietta Ikechukwu Oruh, Barr. Peter Ede, Dr. Gabriel Odo, Mrs. Mfon Williamson, Ms. Alusi Felicia, Mrs. Betty Uzoma, Engr. Chukwuma Ojeogu, Barr. Ikechukwu Alobu, and Mr. Fidelis Nwankwo.
The governor’s action has triggered mixed reactions from the public and political observers. While some have hailed it as a bold step toward restoring discipline in public service, others question the scale of the sanction and whether it signals deeper discontent within the state’s administrative machinery.
Nonetheless, insiders say the move is a wake-up call to all public officeholders in Ebonyi State—loyalty, presence, and participation are no longer optional under the Nwifuru-led administration.
Observers will be watching closely to see whether the suspension will usher in renewed diligence or deepen existing political rifts within the state government.
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