A storm of disciplinary action is sweeping through state governments as Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his Ebonyi counterpart, Francis Nwifuru, both swung the axe on key appointees over allegations ranging from misconduct to dereliction of duty.
In Edo State, Governor Okpebholo suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, over what has been described as “unauthorized fundraising” for a proposed Oil and Gas Summit slated to begin on August 7. The decision, which was made public through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, also included an immediate halt of the summit itself.
“Due to the breach, the proposed summit is suspended, and Isere is directed to refund all monies collected from donors for the event,” the SSG’s statement read bluntly.
Donors were further advised to desist from any dealings with the suspended aide, marking a clear stance by the governor against impropriety under his administration.
Meanwhile, in Ebonyi State, the hammer fell even harder.
In a dramatic move, Governor Nwifuru suspended a staggering 85 government officials—including 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, and 38 political aides—for absenting themselves from a key government function. The suspension, which takes effect for one month, was announced by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, on Monday night.
Among those affected are high-ranking cabinet members like the Commissioner for Finance, Prof. Leonard Uguru, and the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Stanley Mbam, signaling that no official is too senior to be held accountable.
This wave of suspensions sends a strong message: governors across the country are becoming increasingly intolerant of misconduct, negligence, and the misuse of public trust.
In both cases, the message is clear—public office is not a privilege to be exploited but a responsibility to be honored. The public is watching, and governors are acting.
