Gov suspends 3 commissioners over absence at executive council meeting

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has suspended three commissioners for one month over their absence from the state executive council meeting held on Monday, March 17, 2025.

The affected commissioners are Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development).

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor, disclosed this during the weekly executive council meeting briefing on Tuesday, March 18.

Okpor noted that the commissioners were absent without permission.

Okpor said the governor directed that the suspended commissioners be relieved of all privileges attached to their offices within the stipulated period.

He said: “Nwifuru warned against absenteeism and lackadaisical attitude to work by public servants in the state.

“The governor also used the opportunity to warn contractors handling government projects, to expedite actions in accordance with contractual agreements.

“The state government according to the governor, will use all legal means to enforce compliance.”

The commissioner further disclosed the approval for the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in the Afikpo area of Ebonyi State.

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Okpor added: “This is part of efforts to advance the infrastructural needs of the camp.

“This conforms with the governor’s resolve to compliment the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, in providing a conducive environment for staff and corps members.”

Okpor also disclosed that the government rewarded the law team of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) who represented Nigeria at the 33rd Christ of Heyns African Moot Court competition in Kigali, Rwanda.

He said: “The team comprising Michael Agu-Ebeke, Cynthia Ibor, and their Instructor, Dr Chioma Iteshi, were bestowed with the prestigious Ebonyi State Honours Awards and a cash gift of N3 million each.

“The team emerged victorious by defeating 68 Anglophone and 15 Francophone teams in a keenly contested battle of legal knowledge.

“The team thus becomes the first Nigerian faculty of law to do so, in 33 years.”

The Star