Ebonyi Governor Suspends Health and Housing Commissioners

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has suspended two key members of his cabinet: the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, and the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori. The decision was announced during a State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Abakaliki, the state capital. According to a statement released by Jude Okpor, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, the suspensions were prompted by allegations of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.

Dr. Ekuma faces a three-month suspension following accusations linked to the theft of government property from the Ministry of Health. This issue came to light after Governor Nwifuru made an unannounced visit to the ministry on Saturday night, where six officials were reportedly caught attempting to divert government materials. The governor ordered their immediate arrest and prosecution. On the other hand, Francis Ori was indefinitely suspended due to alleged underperformance and mismanagement of the Amaeze Housing Scheme in Ishielu Local Government Area.

The governor's actions reflect his commitment to accountability in governance. “This administration will not tolerate any form of negligence or corruption among public officials,” Okpor emphasized in his statement. These suspensions come as part of broader efforts by the Nwifuru administration to ensure that public resources are managed effectively and that government projects meet expected standards.