JUST IN: Ebonyi Gov Lifts Suspension on 81 Govt Officials

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has lifted the suspension placed on 81 government officials just a week after ordering the disciplinary action.

The move follows intense public scrutiny and internal pressure.

On 28 July 2025, the governor shocked many when he suspended 87 top officials.

Those affected included 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries.

According to his spokesperson, the suspension would last for one month without pay.

Now, just days later, the governor has reversed that decision for most of them.

In a statement issued Tuesday by his spokesperson, Monday Uzor, the governor instructed the reinstated officials to return to their posts immediately.

However, the government offered no update on the fate of the remaining six officials still facing suspension.

The spokesperson stated: “His Excellency, Governor Francis Nwifuru, has graciously lifted the suspension on 81 government officials.

He has directed them to resume their official duties without delay.”

Although the government cited “failure to attend an important government function” as the reason for the initial suspension,  later uncovered the true nature of the event. The officials had failed to attend the burial of the governor’s close associate’s mother Innocent Elechi Ojiugwo, a move that reportedly angered the governor.

This revelation sparked debate across social and political circles in Ebonyi.

Critics argued that suspending public officials over a burial invitation was excessive and politically motivated. Some described it as a misuse of executive power.

Furthermore, many civil society groups demanded transparency and fairness in public administration.

They called on the governor to prioritize governance over personal loyalties.

While the lifting of the suspension may ease tension in the government, questions remain.

Why were the remaining six officials excluded? What criteria did the governor use to determine who would return and who would remain suspended?

Political analysts believe this incident may strain relationships within the Ebonyi State cabinet. It may also affect the morale of public servants going forward.

Despite this controversy, the reinstated officials have now resumed their duties. The state government has yet to offer a broader explanation for the inconsistencies in the suspension and reinstatement process.

For now, the governor appears focused on moving past the crisis. However, this episode has exposed cracks in internal governance that Ebonyi’s leadership may need to address more carefully.

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