Governor Nwifuru Axes 87 Officials for Absenteeism at Official Event
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has taken sweeping disciplinary action by suspending 87 government officials, including commissioners, senior aides, and permanent secretaries, for failing to attend a state-sanctioned official event.
The move, announced on Monday, July 29, 2025, has drawn wide attention for its scale and strictness.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezurike, the suspended officials include 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, 14 senior special assistants, and 24 special assistants. All were sanctioned for what the government described as “acts of gross indiscipline and absenteeism.”
The suspension is to last for one month, during which time the affected officials will not receive salaries or perform any official duties.
Commissioners have been directed to hand over immediately to their respective permanent secretaries, while permanent secretaries must transfer responsibilities to the most senior director in their ministries.
While the state government has not publicly identified the specific event the officials failed to attend, multiple sources indicated it was a high-profile policy forum or state function that required the presence of key government personnel.
Governor Nwifuru, who has repeatedly emphasized professionalism and accountability in public service, reportedly expressed his disappointment over the level of indifference shown by senior officials towards official duties.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of the governor see the move as a bold and necessary step to restore order and commitment within the state’s bureaucracy. However, some observers have raised concerns about the possible disruption to governance, given the number of high-ranking officials affected.
This development marks one of the most extensive disciplinary actions taken against political appointees in Ebonyi State’s recent history and reinforces the administration’s resolve to instill discipline, efficiency, and accountability in governance.
