Gov Nwifuru Recalls Suspended Commissioners, Perm Sec, Executive Sec In Ebonyi

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has recalled suspended commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Uchenna Igwe, that of Ministry of Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma and his Water Resources counterpart, Mr. Chinedu Nkah.

The governor also recalled the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Lawrence Ezeogo and the Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Emeka Ovuoba.

Governor Nwifuru disclosed this on Sunday during a church service at the New Government House Chapel, Centenary City, in Abakaliki, the State capital.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Governor Nwifuru recently announced the suspension of the top state government officials after uncovering the diversion of items belonging to the state government.

He thereafter directed the arrest and prosecution of one Mr Ndukwe Ayansi and five others for allegedly diverting the materials intended for the state Ministry of Health.

Governor Nwifuru had during a project inspection, noticed a Toyota Dyna truck loading registers, books, and other materials from the Ministry’s warehouse.

Unsatisfied with the initial explanations given by the senior health workers, the governor conducted further inquiries and uncovered that patients’ data registers, cards, and other documents were being loaded into the vehicle without permission.

Similarly, the State Commissioner for Water Resources and that of the Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters were also suspended over alleged acts inconsistent with their mandate.

The governor, during the church service, also announced the composition of the management of the Ebonyi State University, EBSU, following the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Chigozie Ogbu.

Prof Michael Awoke Ugota, the pioneer director of works and study and a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor who hails from Ameka in Ezza South Local Government Area of the State, was announced as the institution’s Vice Chancellor-designate.

Others include Prof Ike Elechi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics; Prof Michael Ajanwachukwu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration; Mrs Ugochinyere Uka, Registrar; Mrs Roseline Nwuzor, Bursar; and Mrs Victoria Nwali, the Librarian.

Governor Nwifuru stated that the new management will be sworn in on Wednesday, 12th February 2024.

He also announced the appointment of Mr. Ben Nwovu as the head of Ebonyi State Road Maintenance Agency.