Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three members of his cabinet for alleged absenteeism. The affected commissioners—Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development)—were suspended for one month for failing to attend the state executive council meeting held on Monday, March 17, without permission.
Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, disclosed the decision while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting. He stated that Governor Nwifuru had previously warned against absenteeism and laxity among public officials. As a consequence, the suspended commissioners will forfeit all privileges attached to their offices during the suspension period.
Additionally, the governor urged contractors handling state projects to accelerate work in line with contractual agreements, warning that legal action would be taken against any firm failing to meet deadlines.
In another development, the state executive council approved several projects to enhance infrastructure at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Afikpo. These include the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic. Okpor noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda by improving the living and working conditions for corps members and staff.
The council also approved N40 million for the Ministry of Water Resources to construct a central water store, emphasizing the need to safeguard the ministry’s equipment and consumables.
The council recognized the achievements of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Faculty of Law team, which won the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024. The victorious team, comprising Michael Agu-Ebeke, Ibor Nwamaka, and their guardian, Dr. (Mrs) Chioma Iteshi, was inducted into the prestigious Ebonyi State Honour Awardees.
Governor Nwifuru commended the team for their exceptional performance, noting that they became the first Nigerian law faculty to win the competition in 33 years. Each awardee received a N5 million cash prize.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, urging Ebonyi State University and other institutions to prioritize practical-based research to produce graduates equipped to solve contemporary challenges.
