Kehinde Fajobi
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, over allegations of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.
The suspensions were announced during the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Abakaliki, the state capital.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, on Tuesday confirmed the action.
The statement read, “Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health respectively.”
Reports suggest the suspensions may be tied to two incidents.
The Ministry of Health faced allegations of theft involving government property, while the Housing and Urban Development Commissioner was criticised for poor performance and alleged mismanagement of the Amaeze Housing Scheme in Ishielu Local Government Area.
Governor Nwifuru had reportedly visited the Ministry of Health premises on Saturday night, where six officials were caught allegedly diverting government materials.
He ordered their immediate arrest and prosecution.