Ebonyi governor suspends three commissioners over ‘absenteeism’

Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi state, has suspended three commissioners for one month for failing to attend the state executive council (EXCO) meeting on March 17.

The affected commissioners are Solomon Azi, commissioner for grants and donor agencies, Victor Chukwu, commissioner for environment and Ikeuwa Omebe, commissioner of rural development.

Jude Okpor, the commissioner for information and orientation, announced the suspension on Tuesday during a briefing at the weekly EXCO meeting, noting that the trio were absent without permission.

Okpor said the governor has directed that the suspended commissioners be relieved of all privileges attached to their offices within the stipulated period.

The governor also warned project contractors in the state to improve their performance and meet expectations.

“Nwifuru warned against absenteeism and lackadaisical attitude to work by public servants in the state,” NAN quoted Okpor as saying.

“The governor also used the opportunity to warn contractors handling government projects, to expedite actions in accordance with contractual agreements.

“The state government, according to the governor, will use all legal means to enforce compliance.”