Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has directed stringent disciplinary measures against top political appointees and high ranking civil servants in the state.

Biztellers reports that those affected include, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, who bagged an indefinite suspension, while three-month suspensions were handed to his counterpart in charge of health.

They were found guilty of misconduct and dereliction of duties.

Others now tasting the bitter taste of a three-month suspension are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Executive Secretaries of the State Primarily Healthcare Development Agency and that of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.

This disclosure was made by the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr. Jude Okpor while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the New Government House Abakaliki.

Engr Okpor said, “Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three (3) months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health respectively.

“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended Commissioner.”

Gov Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the Government on or before the close of work on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Engr. Okpor said that the SEX has also commenced ministerial debates and defence for the MDAs, marking the commencement of the processes preceding the official presentation of the 2025 budget proposal to the House of Assembly for statutory legislative consideration and approval.

He stated that the Council further approved the Citizens budget participatory engagement which will take place on Wednesday, 27, 2024 at Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, by 10:00am.

He further stated that the State Government has concluded plans for the State Broadcasting Corporation, EBBC to become a Public Liability Company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), adding that with the development, staff of the establishments who no longer fit into the new administrative/independent configuration of the outfits are to be posted to other MDAs where their services are needed to further their careers.

“After an exhaustive deliberation on the administrative status of the State-owned Radio and Television Stations, the EBBC, the Council approved the ceding-off of the Corporation to become an independent outfit.

“The implication of this that, this is aimed at raising the productivity level of the corporation as well boosting accruable economic returns to the State Government. The same applies to the Ebonyi State Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, Nigerian Patriot,” he added.

The SEC noted that this reform is not in any way tilting towards sacking any member of staff of the establishments but sees this as a move to re-jig the outfits towards making them fully independent, business-oriented and self-reliant.

He further disclosed that the State Executive Council also directed the Head of Service to advertise for the positions of the Auditor General of the state and that of Local Government following existing vacancies.

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday, celebrating him as a leader of note and means.

According to a statement in Osogbo by the Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, Gov Adeleke lauded the Waziri of Adamawa for his painstaking contributions to deepening democracy in Nigeria.

Gov Adeleke noted Atiku’s abiding faith in democracy, as evident, while his active participation has helped sustain the interest of Nigerians in the democratic process, however challenging.

He applauded Atiku’s endearing record of service, recalling how as the Vice President, he effectively managed the National Economic Council (NEC), ensuring recognizable contributions to the incredible turnaround of the sordid economic situation inherited by the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

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Gov Adeleke said, “On this day, I celebrate former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Alhaji Atiku has spent his life highlighting the opportunities that our diversity holds, and as he marks a new age today, I honour his life of services and contributions,” the Governor was quoted as saying in a congratulatory message.

“Notwithstanding his frontline standing in Nigeria’s political space, Alhaji Atiku’s investments in education and agriculture provides several Nigerians a source of living, making him worthy of celebration.”

He prayed to Almighty Allah to bless him with many more celebrations in good health and sound mind so as to continue to offer guidance and support for those who looks up to him.

Tensions flared at the Cross River State secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, as members staged a protest over the ousting of the state chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem.

The protest, which was organized by the party’s local government and ward chapters, saw demonstrators carrying placards with messages such as “Ikem must go,” “All wards and local governments chapter rejects Vena,” and “The decision of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) is the best for the party.”

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The protesters, led by the Calabar Municipality chairman, Mr. Bassey Asuquo, expressed strong opposition to any efforts to reinstate Ikem.

According to Asuquo, Ikem’s leadership had caused stagnation within the party and hindered its growth in the state.

Asuquo said, “We, the chapter leadership across the state, are in support of anything, including the removal of anyone, that will make the party grow. The national body must let Ikem go for the good of the PDP in Cross River. If he is reinstated, we will leave the party for him.”

The protest follows the removal of Ikem by the Cross River SWC two weeks ago, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, high-handedness, and ineptitude.

Despite this, Ikem has vehemently rejected the decision, claiming that his removal was unconstitutional and threatening legal action.

Deputy state chairman, Chief Dennis Nkiri, received the protesters and assured them that the party would prioritize its growth in any decisions moving forward. “The right thing will be done for the growth of the party,” Nkiri said.

PDP state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Mike Ojisi, also weighed in, likening the party’s situation to a sinking ship in need of immediate course correction. “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink,” Ojisi stated.