Abakaliki – The political atmosphere in Ebonyi State was stirred yesterday following the suspension of over 81 government appointees by Governor Francis Nwifuru for reportedly failing to attend an “important government function.”
Click Here to Join Our Whatsapp Channel
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor, the suspended officials include commissioners, Permanent Secretaries,senior special assistants and Special Assistants.
The announcement has sparked intense reactions and speculation both within and outside the state, with many questioning the nature of the function that warranted such a sweeping disciplinary action.
However, in a swift and bold response, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Business Development, Hon. Oguzor Offia Nwali, took to his official Facebook page to clarify the circumstances surrounding the suspension.
Describing the said government function as a “birthday that was more of a church thanksgiving,” Hon. Nwali alleged that appointees were mandated to attend the event, which he claimed was the birthday celebration.
In his words: “A birthday that was more of a church thanksgiving. He claimed we were mandated to attend and that led to our suspension. The manipulator has messed up with una brain.”
He posted on Facebook
The controversy has since spilled over to social media. A popular user on X (formerly Twitter) with account name People of Ebonyi, tweeted: “It has been alleged that the major reason for the suspension of the 25 commissioners and other appointees was their failure to attend the birthday party of the Governor’s last child. According to reports, there was no prior notice indicating that it was going to be a state function, hence the absence of the commissioners and SSAs/SAs.”
He also tweeted again:
As of press time, the Ebonyi State Government has not issued any further clarification on the exact nature of the event or whether it was officially designated as a government function.
