Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has taken decisive action by suspending two key officials from their positions. The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, along with the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, will face a three-month suspension. This announcement was made by Jude Chikadibia, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation.
The decision to suspend these officials was reached during a meeting of the state executive council held on Monday. This council meeting, which is a regular occurrence, was presided over by Governor Nwifuru himself, ensuring that the matter was addressed at the highest level of state governance.
In addition to Ori and Ekuma, several other officials have also been suspended. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Lawrence Ezeoke, is among those affected. Furthermore, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Philip Ovuoba, and the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Dr. Divine Igwe, are also included in this list.
The suspensions were enacted due to allegations of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties. These serious charges highlight the concerns regarding the performance and accountability of these officials in their respective roles.
Chikadibia elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the suspensions during a briefing with journalists. He emphasized that the decisions were made in response to specific cases of misconduct that had been identified by the council.
During the executive council meeting, Governor Nwifuru directed that the suspensions be enforced immediately. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the governor’s insistence on accountability among government officials.
In light of these suspensions, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health has been instructed to assume responsibility for the Ministry of Health during the absence of the suspended Commissioner. This move aims to ensure that the ministry continues to function effectively.
The suspended officials are required to hand over all government properties that are in their possession. This includes any official vehicles and equipment, ensuring a smooth transition of duties to the acting officials.
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The governor’s actions reflect a commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within the state government. By addressing misconduct decisively, he aims to uphold the standards expected of public officials.
Overall, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in governance and the need for officials to fulfill their responsibilities diligently.
