Nigerian Gov suspends 87 top officials over absence at govt function

In a bold disciplinary move, Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has suspended 87 top-ranking government officials for failing to attend a key official function.

The sweeping suspension affects 25 Commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), 24 Special Assistants (SAs), and 22 Permanent Secretaries, making it one of the most significant administrative crackdowns in the state’s recent history.

The announcement was made late Monday in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, who revealed that the affected officials have been placed on a one-month working suspension without pay, effective immediately.

READ ALSO: Ebonyi diaspora group gives Gov Nwifuru 48-hour ultimatum to sack SSG over N1bn scandal

The Governor’s directive, the statement noted, was issued in response to what he described as a gross act of insubordination and disregard for official duty, which saw many key government functionaries absent from a crucial government event.

Though the nature of the event was not explicitly detailed, sources say it was a state-wide initiative that demanded the presence of top government personnel.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function,” the statement read.

As part of the disciplinary measures, the suspended Commissioners have been instructed to hand over all official responsibilities and documents to their respective Permanent Secretaries.

In turn, the suspended Permanent Secretaries, along with other aides, have been barred from signing any official documents during the period of suspension.

Among those suspended are notable names in the Ebonyi political landscape such as Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Prof. Leonard Uguru, Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, Prof. Nwogo Obasi, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, Chief Sunday Inyima, and Hon. Stanley Ogbuewu, whose roles span across key ministries and sectors in the state.

According to Uzor, the governor’s decision is part of an ongoing drive to instill discipline, accountability, and work ethic among government officials.

“Governor Nwifuru is resolute in his commitment to ensuring that all public officeholders, regardless of rank, adhere strictly to their responsibilities and uphold the highest standards of conduct in serving the people of Ebonyi State,” Uzor stated.

The disciplinary move has generated significant discussion within political circles and the general public, with many commending the governor for taking bold steps to enforce standards and reawaken commitment among government functionaries.

A source said that the governor’s action sends a strong message that public service is a serious responsibility and that lapses in duty will not be tolerated, especially at a time when Ebonyi State is positioning itself for greater development strides.

“This is not the first time Governor Nwifuru has taken such decisive action.

“Known for his no-nonsense approach to governance, the governor has repeatedly emphasized that loyalty, presence, and diligence in service are non-negotiable values in his administration”, the source added.

The statement concluded with a warning that future violations of official protocol or absence from key state engagements may attract harsher sanctions.