The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce and industry , Oguzie Kanu Offia-Nwali has cleared the air of controversy surrounding the suspension in Ebonyi State.
He said Governor Nwifuru suspended them for failing to attend a birth day party of his last son that turned to a Thanksgiving service.
The Commissioner stated this in his Facebook handle on Tuesday 29th July 2025.
He said the appointees were not duly informed not prior notice given.
The controversy has since spilled over to social media. A popular user on X (formerly Twitter) with account name People of Ebonyi , tweeted: “It has been alleged that the major reason for the suspension of the 25 commissioners and other appointees was their failure to attend the birthday party of the Governor’s last child.
According to reports, there was no prior notice indicating that it was going to be a state function, hence the absence of the commissioners and SSAs/SAs.
Recall that the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, suspended 87 appointees, including 25 commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), 24 Special Assistants (SAs), and 22 Permanent Secretaries, for failing to attend an important government function.
The suspension, announced on July 28, 2025, takes immediate effect, and the affected officials will proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary.
Some of the afected officials included Commissioners (25), Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Prof. Leonard Uguru, Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, Prof. Nwogo Obasi, Hon. Victor Chukwu.
Senior Special Assistants(14) , Hon. Bassey Chukwu, Mrs. Rose Ofoke, Mr. Kerian Ofoke, Hon. Anthony Nwegede
Special Assistants (24); Mr. Mbam Emmanuel, Tobias Ogbonna, Easy Okike Uzo, Obinna Oko Enyim
Permanent Secretaries(22) ; Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, Dr. Isioma C. Arunne-Inyang, Mrs. Rose Ibe, Mrs. Ogechi Nwobasi.
The governor suspended the officials for failing to attend a significant state-organized function, emphasizing the importance of discipline and accountability among public servants.
The suspension is aimed at reinforcing accountability and instilling discipline in the public sector.
There’s speculation circulating on social media that the suspension might be linked to the officials’ absence at the governor’s child’s birthday party, rather than an official government function.
However, the governor’s office has stated that the suspension was due to the officials’ failure to attend an important government function .
Governor Nwifuru has been firm in his stance on discipline and accountability, stressing that absenteeism and complacency will not be tolerated in his administration.
This move is seen as a bold step to reinforce accountability and discipline in the public sector.
