Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has recalled all government officials earlier suspended, except those in the Ministry of Lands whose cases remain under investigation.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, said the governor announced the decision on Sunday while speaking during a church service to mark the 2026 Father’s Day at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki.
“I want to use this opportunity to also thank our workers for their unflinching support to our government, and 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 except those from the Ministry of Lands whose cases are still under investigation,” Nwifuru said.
PUNCH Online recalls that Nwifuru in July 2025 suspended 87 government aides, including 25 commissioners and 62 senior special assistants, special assistants, and permanent secretaries, for failing to attend a government function.
He also suspended the Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Concession for Development, Ogbonnaya Abara, over allegations of dereliction of duty in March 2026.
However, it is not immediately known which officials were recalled and their number.
The governor expressed concern over instances where some appointees reportedly declared interest in contesting elections without seeking his consent, describing such actions as disrespectful.
He also congratulated men on the Father’s Day celebration, describing them as the “pillar and backbone of the family and the society”.
Nwifuru said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of men as pillars of the family, defenders of faith, and drivers of societal progress.
He said, “The steadfast commitment of men to the teachings of Christ, their devotion to their families, and support to the Church and community continue to inspire hope and strengthen the moral fabric of our society.
“In a time when our nation yearns for principled leadership, discipline, and unity, Catholic men have remained shining examples of integrity, sacrifice, and service.
“Your roles as fathers, mentors, and community leaders are indispensable in shaping a future anchored on righteousness, peace, and justice.
“As a government, we deeply appreciate your contributions to nation-building and community development.
“Through our People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, we remain resolute in creating an enabling environment where families can thrive, while I admonish our women to treat their husbands with dignity and pride.
“I urge you all to continue to uphold the virtues of love, humility, courage, and faith, even in the face of challenges.”
