The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has suspended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, and the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori. The decision was made on Monday during the State Executive Council meeting in Abakaliki, the state capital.
In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, and seen by our correspondent on Tuesday, the governor ordered the suspension due to cases of gross misconduct and negligence by the affected officials. The statement explained that the Commissioner for Housing was suspended indefinitely, while his counterpart in the Ministry of Health received a three-month suspension.
It was gathered that the suspension might be linked to allegations of theft involving the Ministry of Health’s property by its officials and the poor performance of the Housing and Urban Development Commissioner, particularly in handling the Amaeze Housing Scheme in Ishielu Local Government Area.
Over the weekend, Governor Nwifuru visited the Ministry of Health and reportedly found six staff members allegedly attempting to divert government materials. The governor ordered their immediate arrest and prosecution. Similarly, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, had previously been warned to ensure the timely delivery of key projects or face consequences.
In addition to the two commissioners, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency were also suspended for three months.
The governor directed the Special Assistant on Primary Health to oversee the Ministry of Health during the Commissioner’s absence. Suspended officials were instructed to hand over all government properties in their possession, including vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government by the end of Monday, November 25, 2024.
This decision highlights the governor’s commitment to accountability and efficiency in public service.