The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has taken disciplinary action against two top officials in his administration.
According to The PUNCH, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, and the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, have been suspended over allegations of misconduct and negligence.
The suspensions were confirmed during the State Executive Council meeting in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Monday.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, issued a statement on Tuesday morning, detailing the actions taken by the governor.
“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health respectively,” the statement read.
Sources suggest that the suspension of the Health Commissioner may be linked to an alleged theft of government property by officials of the Ministry of Health.
Governor Nwifuru reportedly uncovered the incident during a surprise visit to the ministry’s premises on Saturday night.
During the visit, six officials were allegedly caught attempting to divert government-owned materials.
Governor Nwifuru was said to have immediately ordered their arrest, with a directive for their prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Housing and Urban Development Commissioner is accused of underperforming and mishandling the Amaeze Housing Scheme project in Ishielu Local Government Area.
Governor Nwifuru has reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining discipline and ensuring accountability in governance.
“We will not tolerate any act of misconduct or negligence that undermines the development of Ebonyi State,” he reportedly stated during the council meeting.
The government has assured the public that thorough investigations will be conducted, and necessary actions will be taken to address the issues.
