Ebonyi Governor Sh*cks Many, Reinstates 81 Suspended Officials After One-Month Crackdown

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has reinstated 81 government officials who were previously suspended for failing to attend a key state event.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, the governor directed all affected personnel—including commissioners, permanent secretaries, senior special assistants, and special assistants—to immediately return to their duties.

The suspension, which took effect on July 28, 2025, was imposed after the officials failed to attend a vital public function. The penalty included a one-month freeze on salaries and a ban on signing any official documents during the period.

Those affected included the Attorney General, 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, 14 senior special assistants, and 24 special assistants, spanning ministries such as Works, Finance, Information, Education, Health, Agriculture, Commerce and Industry, Rural Development, and others.

Governor Nwifuru previously explained that the disciplinary action was intended to reinforce accountability and commitment among public officeholders.

Now that the suspension has been lifted, all sanctioned officials are expected to return to their offices and resume normal government operations.

Contrary to speculations, Governor Nwifuru dismissed claims that the suspensions were linked to the absence of officials at his daughter’s birthday celebration. His spokesperson clarified that the officials were penalized for missing a significant public event—a basic school sports competition organized by the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC).