ABAKALIKI — Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has officially lifted the suspension of several high-ranking members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials. The Governor made the announcement on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during a church service held in Abakaliki to commemorate the 2026 Father’s Day. The reinstatement follows a significant administrative shake-up in March 2026, which saw the suspension of the Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Concession for Development, Ogbonnaya Abara. The officials, along with several heads of various ministries, departments, and agencies, were originally sanctioned following allegations of dereliction of duty and concerns over the delivery of critical road projects across the state.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Nwifuru explained that the decision to recall the officials was a gesture of appreciation for the loyalty and unflinching support shown by the state’s workforce. He noted that except for officials within the Ministry of Lands and Survey—whose cases remain under active investigation—all other suspended personnel are to return to their posts immediately. The Governor described the move as a way to honor workers while signaling a fresh start for the administration's infrastructure and development goals.
While offering a second chance to the reinstated appointees, Governor Nwifuru issued a stern warning regarding administrative discipline and political etiquette. He specifically criticized appointees who have publicly declared intentions to contest for elective offices without first resigning or seeking his consent, labeling such actions as disrespectful to the office of the Governor. He charged all returning officials to rededicate themselves to duty and align fully with the government’s "People’s Charter of Needs" agenda, stressing that their energy must be channeled toward service delivery rather than political distractions.
The officiating priest, Rev. Fr. James Nwaofoke, commended the Governor for his peace-building efforts in Ebonyi and offered prayers for the administration's continued strength. During the service, Nwifuru also praised the role of fathers as essential pillars of strength and stability within both the family unit and the broader society. The recall is expected to jumpstart various projects that had stalled during the period of administrative scrutiny, as the state government looks to accelerate its development timeline for the remainder of the year.
