Why I Suspended 87 Top Government Officials – Governor Nwifuru Explains Reasons Behind Suspension of Commissioners

 

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has broken his silence following the suspension of 87 government officials, including 25 commissioners, 62 personal aides, and several permanent secretaries. In a firm and unapologetic move, the governor stated that the decision was prompted by the officials’ failure to attend a key state function he described as highly important to his administration’s agenda.

The explanation was delivered through a statement issued late Monday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor. In it, the governor clarified that the absentee officials had displayed unacceptable negligence by failing to honor a critical government engagement, an act he described as a violation of duty and responsibility.

According to the statement, the suspension takes immediate effect and will last for one month. During this period, the affected officials will forfeit their salaries and remain on what the governor called a “working suspension.” This, he said, is aimed at instilling discipline and reorienting the mindset of public office holders in the state.

Governor Nwifuru made it clear that his administration will not condone laxity or disregard for official responsibilities. He emphasized that public service is not a casual engagement but a trust-based duty that demands full commitment, discipline, and accountability.

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

While the specific nature of the event that triggered the suspension was not mentioned, sources within the government hint that it involved a significant policy-related engagement attended by senior officials, stakeholders, and development partners. The absence of such a large number of key officials, the governor believes, sent the wrong message both to the public and to institutional partners.

This development has sparked intense discussion across the state. For some, the governor’s action reflects a welcome effort to enforce discipline in government. Civil society groups and local commentators have praised Nwifuru’s decisiveness, describing it as a much-needed stance in a public sector often plagued by absenteeism and poor accountability.

Others, however, have raised concerns about whether all the suspended individuals were properly notified of the event or given enough time to adjust their schedules. Some political observers have cautioned against blanket disciplinary measures that could affect morale within the government, especially if due process was not strictly followed.

Despite the mixed reactions, Governor Nwifuru appears resolute in his decision. He has consistently reiterated his vision for a responsive, performance-driven administration that prioritizes duty and service delivery. By suspending a significant number of his cabinet members and aides, he seems intent on setting a new tone for how governance should function in Ebonyi State.

Insiders within the state government revealed that the suspended officials are expected to return to duty after the one-month period, provided they demonstrate renewed commitment to their responsibilities. It is not yet clear whether the suspension will be followed by further administrative reviews, reshuffling, or more permanent sanctions.

For now, the governor’s message is clear: public office is a serious assignment and dereliction of duty will not be tolerated. The mass suspension, though controversial, marks a turning point in Nwifuru’s leadership approach, showing that he is willing to act decisively to enforce standards within his government.

As the state watches how the suspended officials respond and whether similar measures follow in the coming weeks, one thing remains certain: Governor Nwifuru is prepared to prioritize discipline over political comfort in his quest to uphold governance integrity in Ebonyi State.