Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has ordered the recall of all government officials previously placed on suspension, while cautioning political appointees against declaring electoral ambitions without due approval.
The governor announced the decision on Sunday during a church service marking the 2026 Father’s Day celebration at the Government House Chapel, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
Nwifuru said the recall was in appreciation of the unwavering support of workers in the state, noting that the gesture was part of efforts to strengthen harmony within the public service.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank our workers for their unflinching support to our government.
"To reciprocate this gesture, I have decided to honour them 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,” he said.
The governor had, in recent months, suspended key officials, including the Commissioner for Works, Stanley Lebechi Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Concession, Ogbonnaya Abarah, over alleged dereliction of duties.
Two aides including Felix Okemini, popularly known as Jango, and Nnanna Nwangele were also affected, with directives barring them from approaching the Government House or participating in official functions.
Others affected by the suspension included the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Omari Omaka, along with several other appointees from Amasiri.
Their suspension followed a communal crisis in the area, which recently resulted in the beheading of some Ebonyi indigenes.
However, in a directive issued during the service, Nwifuru instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike, to effect the immediate lifting of the suspensions.
While reinstating the officials, the governor expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend among some appointees who publicly declare intentions to contest elections without consulting the leadership of the government, describing such actions as acts of disrespect.
He urged political office holders to observe discipline, loyalty, and due process in pursuing their political aspirations.
Speaking further, Nwifuru congratulated men across the state on the occasion of Father’s Day, describing them as the “pillar and backbone of the family and society.”
According to him, the celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of men as leaders in their homes, defenders of faith, and contributors to societal development.
“In a time when our nation yearns for principled leadership, discipline, and unity, men must continue to uphold values of integrity, sacrifice, and service,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to its People’s Charter of Needs agenda, pledging to create an enabling environment for families to thrive.
He also called on women to support their husbands with dignity and respect, while urging all citizens to uphold virtues of love, humility, courage, and faith in the face of challenges.
