Did Ebonyi Gov suspend Commissioners, Perm Secs, SSAs for failure to attend daughter’s birthday event?
Since the pronouncement of suspension on 25 Commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants, 24 Special Assistants, and 22 Permanent Secretaries by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary(CPS) Monday Uzor, the social media space has been awashed with varying views on the subject.
It was initially rumored that the Governor suspended his aids without pay for a month, for allegedly failing to show up for his daughter’s birthday celebration.
The news generated a social media frenzy accusing Ebonyi State Governor of suspending officials over a private family matter, thereby sparking outrage and condemnation. Some considered it a gross abuse of power, as the Governor, according to them, had prioritized his personal affairs over public service.
It was however learnt from the CPS, that the reason behind the suspension of the said aids bordered on their absence from a Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC) sports competition.
Ensuring appearances in government functions, especially those organized by cardinal sectors like education, is often considered integral to the official duties of government officials or public servants, as their presence at such events may be seen as a demonstration of commitment, leadership, and support to the initiatives of government.
Refusal to attend might be viewed as an act impunity, dereliction of duty or disinterest towards the policies and programs of government, especially in cases where they have been specifically instructed or officially invited to be present.
While the issue persists and opinions differ on the subject, the CPS has stated that the officials were penalised for failing to attend an important government function, and instructed to proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary.
The affected officers were also barred from signing any official document within the period of their suspension while the Commissioners were to hand over to their respective Permanent Secretaries.
The statement released by the CPS, ordering their suspension, read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function.” It went further to list all the affected aids and also emphasized the Governor’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and dedication for government officials.
