Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has taken decisive action against two high-ranking officials in his administration.
Dr. Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Health, and Francis Ori, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, were both suspended following allegations of misconduct. The decision was announced during a State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Abakaliki, the state’s capital.
According to a statement released by Jude Okpor, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, the suspensions stem from different allegations. The Commissioner for Housing faces an indefinite suspension, while his counterpart in the Health Ministry has been suspended for three months.
Okpor explained, “Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health respectively.”
Reports indicate the suspension of the Health Commissioner may be linked to the alleged theft of government materials by officials in his ministry. This revelation follows the governor’s unexpected visit to the ministry on Saturday night, during which six employees were allegedly caught attempting to divert public property. Governor Nwifuru ordered their immediate arrest and prosecution.
The Housing Commissioner’s suspension appears to be tied to concerns over the poorly executed Amaeze Housing Scheme in Ishielu Local Government Area. The project has faced criticism for underperformance and mismanagement.
