Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has debunked viral reports claiming he suspended government officials for failing to attend his daughter’s birthday celebration.
The rumour, which circulated widely on social media platform 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), alleged that 25 commissioners and several appointees were sanctioned after failing to show up at the governor’s child’s party.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, clarified that the suspension had nothing to do with a birthday party. Instead, the affected officials were penalized for their failure to attend a major public function — the grand finale of a Basic School Sports Competition organized by the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC).
Governor Nwifuru, who was away at the time, had instructed his deputy, Patricia Obila, to represent him at the event and directed all senior government officials to attend. Despite the directive, many were absent, prompting disciplinary action.
“This is not the first time such disregard has occurred,” Uzor said. “The suspension is strictly based on insubordination and dereliction of duty, not any social event.”
He further explained that a photo making the rounds — allegedly showing the birthday party — was from a private event in July and unrelated to the current disciplinary action.
The suspension will last one month, during which affected officials will forfeit their salaries and be barred from signing official documents.
