Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has announced the suspension of two commissioners, including those for Housing and Urban Development, as well as Health, following allegations of misconduct and neglect of duties.
The decision was revealed by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor, during a press briefing on Tuesday. The suspensions were the result of a State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.
Okpor explained that the Commissioner for Health’s suspension will last for three months, while the suspension of the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development is indefinite. Additionally, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health has also been placed on a three-month suspension.
Other officials affected include the Executive Secretaries of the Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency. In the interim, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health will oversee the Ministry of Health until the suspended commissioner returns.
Okpor further stated that all suspended officials are required to return any government property in their possession, including vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government by November 25, 2024.
In addition to the suspensions, the State Executive Council has begun discussions on the 2025 fiscal year, including ministerial debates and the approval of a citizens’ budget participatory engagement. This public session is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki at 10:00 a.m.
