Nwifuru suspends 3 commissioners over absenteeism

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has suspended three commissioners for one month over absenteeism from the state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on March 17.

It was reported that the affected commissioners are: Messrs Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment) and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development).

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Jude Okpor disclosed this on Tuesday during the weekly EXCO meeting briefing, noting that the commissioners were absent without permission.

According to Okpor, the governor directed that the suspended commissioners be relieved of all privileges attached to their offices within the stipulated period.

“Nwifuru warned against absenteeism and lackadaisical attitude to work by public servants in the state.

“The governor also used the opportunity to warn contractors handling government projects, to expedite actions in accordance with contractual agreements.

“The state government according to the governor, will use all legal means to enforce compliance,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed the approval for the construction of a staff quarters, female hostel and health clinic at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp, Afikpo.

“This is part of efforts to advance the infrastructural needs of the camp.

“This conforms with the governor’s resolve to compliment the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, in providing conducive environment for staff and corps members,” he said.

He further disclosed the the government rewarded the law team of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) who represented Nigeria at the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court competition, in Kigali, Rwanda.

“The team comprising Michael Agu-Ebeke, Cynthia Ibor and their Instructor, Dr Chioma Iteshi, were bestowed with the prestigious Ebonyi State Honours Awards and a cash gift of N3million each,” he said.

“The team emerged victorious by defeating 68 Anglophone and 15 Francophone teams in a keenly contested battle of legal knowledge.

“The team thus becomes the first Nigerian faculty of law to do so, in 33 years,” he said.