ABAKALIKI: Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has lifted the suspension earlier imposed on several members of the State Executive Council and other government officials, bringing them back into active service.
The announcement was made on Sunday in Abakaliki during a church service held to mark the 2026 Father’s Day celebration.
Among those reinstated are the Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Concession for Development, Ogbonnaya Abara.
The officials had been suspended in March 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty, particularly concerns surrounding delays and incomplete road projects.
Several other officials across ministries, departments, and agencies were also affected by the earlier disciplinary action.
Explaining his decision, Nwifuru said the recall was a gesture of appreciation for the loyalty and continued support shown by the state workforce to his administration.
Let me use this opportunity to thank workers for their unflinching support to our government. To reciprocate this gesture, I have decided to honour the workers by recalling all government officials who were suspended for one reason or the other, the governor said.
However, he clarified that officials from the Ministry of Lands and Survey remain under suspension pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The governor urged the reinstated officials to recommit themselves to their duties and align fully with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
He also issued a stern warning to political appointees against declaring interest in elective positions without first resigning from their roles, describing such actions as a violation of official protocol and disrespect to the office of the governor.
Nwifuru emphasized the need for discipline and focus among public servants, cautioning against actions that could distract the government from delivering on its mandate.
In his remarks, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. James Nwaofoke, praised the governor’s leadership style and offered prayers for continued strength and success for the administration.
The reinstatement signals a shift from disciplinary action to reconciliation within the Ebonyi State government, as the administration seeks to balance accountability with continuity in governance.
Observers say the move may help stabilise the state’s executive operations while reinforcing expectations of improved performance among public officials going forward.
