A wave of apprehension has gripped government appointees in Ebonyi State following Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s directive mandating all officials to present their official vehicles for inspection.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezuruike.
It requires all commissioners, special assistants, senior special assistants, permanent secretaries and members of state boards and commissions to submit their government-assigned vehicles for physical verification.
“His Excellency, our dear Governor, Right Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed that all government officials who have been allocated one or more vehicles, be it an official or utility vehicle or both, should physically present the vehicle/s to the office of the SSG,” the statement read.
The inspection is scheduled to be conducted in phases. According to Umezuruike, “Principal officers and commissioners are expected to present their official vehicles tomorrow, Friday, 8/8/25, between 10 am and 12 noon at the premises of the SSG. SSAs and permanent secretaries are to make their presentation on Saturday, 9/8/25, at the same time and venue, while SAs, boards, commissions, and others will take their turn on Monday, 11/8/25, at the same time and venue.”
Officials who fail to present their vehicles will have their names forwarded to the governor, as directed.
“His Excellency also directed that names of those who fail to present their cars be compiled and sent to him,” the statement added.
This move follows recent allegations made by public affairs analyst, Nwoba Nwoba via Facebook, where he accused a serving commissioner of selling off an official vehicle.
He called on Governor Nwifuru to launch an investigation into the matter.
Public reactions have been mixed. A local resident, speaking anonymously, shared his perspective on the issue.
“My brother, what do you expect? How do you expect a senior special assistant who has never in his life driven any car to be driving a car worth over N100 million and still be a tenant in someone’s house?” he said.
The resident continued, “It is expected that some of them might have sold the car and used the money to buy a cheaper car and also start a building project in Abakaliki. It will be disgraceful that you will serve as a commissioner and finish your tenure and still be a tenant.”
He further added, “If the official sold the car and bought another, cheaper car befitting of his status, I don’t see anything wrong with that. But if they sold the car and used the money on frivolities, then whatever decision the governor takes, is justifiable.”
