Ebonyi State Commissioner for Special Duties and Focal Person for Ebonyi Indigenes in Diaspora, Mr. Valentine Okike‑Uzor, has defended Governor Francis Nwifuru’s decision to suspend 87 senior government officials, including commissioners, senior and special assistants and permanent secretaries.
Okike‑Uzor explained that the suspensions were due to chronic absenteeism at official state functions, dismissing circulating claims that they were punished for missing a birthday party.
“Opposition voices have taken to social media to twist the facts and post lies about the official engagement that led to the suspension of some state officials, myself included.”
“Some claimed it was a birthday party, while others pushed various shades of falsehood to suit their mischief. These claims are untrue. The suspension was not because of a birthday celebration as reported online.”
He emphasised the governor’s prerogative in determining what constitutes an official engagement:
“Once the governor designates an event as official, that’s final. He doesn’t need to consult any book to do that. It is his exclusive discretion.”
Okike‑Uzor noted that many of the affected officials had developed a pattern of skipping key state functions arriving late, leaving early, or failing to turn up altogether despite repeated reminders from the governor.
“Some officials just show up briefly and sneak out, even while the governor is still present. Others arrive at events after the governor is already seated or leave before he departs. These actions are clearly against government protocol.”
Although describing the suspension as unfortunate, Okike‑Uzor accepted it and considered it necessary for enforcing discipline:
“It’s unfortunate that a few who rarely miss government functions were caught in this particular web, but we must accept the punishment in good faith. We erred.”
He praised Governor Nwifuru’s leadership style as measured, patient, and inclusive:
“Governor Nwifuru is the only governor who would tolerate such an attitude for this long. Not because he is weak, but because he believes in building Ebonyi together. He finds it difficult to punish people; he prefers to correct. He has been very encouraging and patient with members of the exco.”
On the seriousness of public duty, the commissioner stressed that absenteeism amounts to a breach of trust:
“Not attending government functions is a major breach of trust and responsibility. The proper sanction could have been more severe.”
“Other governors might have simply dismissed the affected officials outright. But Governor Nwifuru chose the path of discipline with compassion, a carrot-and-stick approach, like a father nurturing his children.”
