In an unprecedented move, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has suspended 85 senior government officials — including commissioners, permanent secretaries, and top aides — for failing to attend a major state function.

The decision was announced late Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, who said the suspension takes effect immediately and will last for one month, with no exceptions granted.

The sweeping action affects:
    •    25 Commissioners, including Works Commissioner Mr. Stanley Mbam, Finance Commissioner Prof. Leonard Uguru, Lands and Survey Commissioner Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, Environment Commissioner Mr. Victor Chukwu, and Information Commissioner Chief Ikeuwa Omebe.
    •    22 Permanent Secretaries, such as Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, Dr. Isioma Arunne-Inyang, Mrs. Rose Ibe, Mrs. Ogechi Nwobashi, Mrs. Theresa Anwu, and Dr. Lynda Alo.
    •    38 Senior Aides, made up of 14 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) — including Mrs. Bessy Chukwu, Mrs. Rose Ofoke, Mr. Kieran Ofoke, and Chief Anthony Nwegede — and 24 Special Assistants (SAs), among them Mr. Emmanuel Mbam, Mr. Tobias Ogbonna, Mr. Easy Okike-Uzor, Mr. Obinna Oko-Enyim, and Mr. Chima Okoro.

The statement did not disclose the specific state event that triggered the mass disciplinary action, but emphasized that the governor expects “strict adherence to duty and loyalty” from all officials serving in his administration.

The move has sparked conversations across Ebonyi State’s political circles, with some observers calling it a bold stance on accountability, while others describe it as too sweeping and punitive.