Nwifuru cracks down on absenteeism, suspends 87

Martha Iloke, Abakaliki

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has taken decisive action against absenteeism in government, suspending 87 aides for failing to attend a high-profile government event.

Those suspended include commissioners, senior special assistants, special assistants, and permanent secretaries.

The governor, in a statement, on Monday night, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, said they were suspended for failing to attend an important government function.

The Mirror reports that the affected officials are to proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary.

He listed 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries as those affected by the suspension.

According to the statement, the suspension takes immediate effect, and the suspended officials are barred from signing any official documents during the period.

The commissioners were instructed to hand over to their respective permanent secretaries.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function,” the statement read.

Uzor maintained that the governor remains firm in ensuring all government officials uphold the highest standards of conduct and dedication in serving the people of Ebonyi State.