The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has lifted the suspension of 81 government officials who were sanctioned for failing to attend an essential state function.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, the governor directed all affected commissioners, senior special assistants, special assistants, and permanent secretaries to resume work immediately.
The officials were suspended on July 28, 2025, after they failed to participate in a crucial government programme.
Among those affected were the Attorney General, 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, 14 senior special assistants, and 24 special assistants.
The suspension came with a one-month salary freeze and a directive barring the officials from signing official documents during the sanction period.
The suspension cut across several ministries, including Works, Finance, Information, Rural Development, Education, Agriculture, Water Resources, Commerce and Industry, Environment, Health, Arts and Culture, among others.
Governor Nwifuru had explained that the disciplinary measure was necessary to instil a sense of responsibility and dedication among political appointees.
With the suspension now lifted, all affected officials are expected to return to their respective offices and resume normal government activities.
Naijaonpoint recall that Governor Nwifuru debunked reports that he suspended the government officials for not attending his daughter’s birthday.
Monday Uzor, chief press secretary to the Ebonyi governor, said the officials were punished for failing to attend a significant public function, a basic school sports competition organised by the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC).
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