Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dismissed two senior aides over allegations of gross misconduct, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to enforcing discipline and accountability within the government.
The affected officials are Mr. Nnanna Nwangele, Special Assistant on Airport Security, and Mr. Felix Okemini, Senior Special Assistant on Security for Ebonyi North.
Their dismissals were announced on Tuesday through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezurike.
According to the statement, both aides have been directed to return all government property in their possession to the Secretary to the State Government’s office by 4:00 p.m. on March 18, 2025.
The directive further stated, “The officers should, henceforth, not be seen anywhere around Government House or participate in any government activity.”
Governor Nwifuru’s recent actions come shortly after his suspension of three commissioners for alleged absenteeism. The suspended officials include Solomon Azi, Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies; Victor Chukwu, Commissioner for Environment; and Ikeuwa Omebe, Commissioner for Rural Development. The governor’s approach indicates a broader effort to ensure efficiency and accountability within the state’s public service.
This is not the first time Governor Nwifuru has taken disciplinary measures against government officials. In November 2024, he indefinitely suspended the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and imposed a three-month suspension on the Commissioner for Health due to alleged misconduct and negligence of duty.
The recent wave of dismissals and suspensions has sparked discussions about the governor’s strict governance approach. While some political observers consider the measures necessary for promoting discipline and enhancing the effectiveness of government operations, others believe it could create tension among public servants.
Governor Nwifuru’s actions send a clear message that unethical conduct and disregard for duty will not be tolerated as he strives to maintain high standards of integrity and accountability within his administration.
