Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Dr. Donatus Ilang, alongside 24 other commissioners and 62 senior government officials, for failing to attend a critical state function graced by the governor.
The sweeping disciplinary action was announced on Monday, July 28, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Monday Uzor. The affected officials have been placed on a one-month working suspension without salary, a decision described as a response to their “negligence and insubordination.”
According to the statement, the suspended commissioners are barred from signing any official documents during the suspension period, and have been directed to hand over to their respective permanent secretaries with immediate effect.
“The suspension takes immediate effect,” the statement read. “It reflects the governor’s zero tolerance for absenteeism and nonchalance toward official duties.”
Among those suspended alongside Dr. Ilang are notable officials such as:
- Engr Stanley Lebechi Mbam (Works & Transport)
- Prof Leonard Uguru (Finance)
- Dr Mathew Nwobashi (Lands & Survey)
- Prof Nwogo Obasi (Market Development & Parks)
- Hon Victor Chukwu (Environment)
- Engr Jude Okpor (Information & State Orientation)
- Barr Ikeuwa Omebeh (Rural Development; now Commissioner for Information)
- Hon Chidi Onyia (Solid Minerals)
- Chief Offia Nwali (Commerce & Industry)
- Dr Ben Uruchi Odo (Justice)
- Dr Ngozi Obichukwu (Aviation)
- Dr Moses Ekuma Ikenna (Health)
- Chief Richard Idike (Youths & Sports)
- Barr Felicia Nwankpuma (Women Affairs)
- Hon Chinedu Nkah (Water Resources)
- Engr Ogbonna Obasi Abara (Infrastructure)
- Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku (Agriculture & Natural Resources)
- Engr Francis Ori (Housing & Urban Development)
- Hon Tochukwu Okorie (ICT/Data)
- Barr Valentine Okike Uzo (Special Duties)
- Chief Sunday Inyima (Capital City Affairs)
- Hon Ogbonnaya Okorie (Inter-Party Affairs)
- Chief Elechi Elechi (Investment)
- Hon Stanley Ogbuewu (Culture & Tourism)
Also affected by the disciplinary measure are Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and 25 Permanent Secretaries, bringing the total number of suspended officials to 87. This is considered one of the most sweeping administrative actions in the state’s recent history.
Governor Nwifuru’s action underscores his administration’s resolve to uphold discipline and accountability in the conduct of public officials, sending a strong signal that dereliction of duty will not be tolerated in Ebonyi State.
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