Confusion has continued to trail the suspension of 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanently secretaries for one month for not attending an important government function in the State.
Governor Nwifuru in a statement Monday night signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, said they were suspended for failing to attend an important government function.
The statement noted that the affected officials are to proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary.
Political observers on social media have argued that the suspension of both Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries could affect the smooth running of government.
They have also questioned how Commissioner could be said to be working when he cannot sign official documents.
An analyst, Mr. Ifeanyi Orji in a post on his social media handle said, “now that the State Governor has suspended the aides and advised them to handover to their permanent secretaries and not to sign any official document, if the permanent secretaries are also among those suspended, who do they hand over to.
“The announcement and directive is incomplete and will affect the activities of government. Secondly, it is absurd to ask a commissioner to be on a working suspension and at the same time handover to the Permanent Secretary; what it implies is that the Commissioner will be taking directive from the Permanent Secretary for the period.
Mr. Orji maintained that the State Governor needs to come out with a clearer directive “because there is confusion in the whole announcement.”
In another Facebook Post one Victor Eze said, “though the Governor was right in his decision because most of the Commissioners and aides boycott government function at will, there is the need to ensure that the suspension does not affect government activities.
“At the International Conference Center ICC during a recent event, our Governor had to openly lament how many of his aides abandon government functions to go to different joints to drink. Such a neglect and action should be seen as insubordination and inconsistent with their mandate.
“Many Governor’s aides are not serious with their job and I would encourage the Governor to ensure disciplinary actions against anyone who exhibits any act of irresponsibility.”
Reacting to the issues raised, Governor Nwifuru’s aide, Mr. Leo Oketa wrote in his Facebook page, For clarity sake, it is a ONE MONTH WORKING SUSPENSION, meaning they will still be going to work WITHOUT SALARY for the said month. So there are no gaps in Government.
In the release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor listed 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries as those affected by the governor’s directive.
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 underlined government functionaries proceed on one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function,” the statement read.
Mr Uzor emphasised 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.
It would be recalled that the Governor has before now expressed sadness over the consistent absenteeism of his aides during government function adding that many of them prefers to attend to their private engagement in place of government activities.
The suspended commissioners includes, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Prof. Leonard Uguru, Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, Prof. Nwogo Obasi. Hon. Victor Chukwu, Engr. Jude Okpor, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, Hon. Chidi Onyia, Chief Oguzo – Offia Nwali and Dr. Ben. Uruchi Odo.
Others includes, Dr. Donatus Ilang, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, Dr. Moses Ekuma Ikenna, Chief Richard Idike, Barr. Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, Hon. Chinedu Nkah, Engr. Ogbonna Obasi Abara, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku, Engr. Francis Ori, Hon. Tochukwu Okorie, Barr. Valentine Okike Uzo, Chief Sunday Inyima, Hon. Ogbonnaya Okorie, Chief Elechi Elechi, Hon. Stanley Ogbuewu Ends.
