JUST IN: Ebonyi governor sacks commissioner after recall from suspension

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has sacked the state’s Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam.

Mr Nwifuru announced Mr Mbam’s sack in a statement by his spokesperson, Monday Uzor, on Saturday.

The governor’s decision came months after he recalled the commissioner from his initial suspension over alleged dereliction of duty.

Mr Nwifuru directed Mr Mbam to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government.

He was also directed to transfer his responsibilities to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works.

No reason was given for the removal of the commissioner.

“The governor assured residents of the State that his administration remains focused on delivering effective governance and improving public infrastructure,” the statement added.

Series of suspensions

This is not the first time Mr Mbam has faced disciplinary action under Mr Nwifuru.

On 28 July 2025, the commissioner was among about 85 government officials suspended by the governor for allegedly failing to attend an important government function.

The officials were recalled about a week later.

Mr Mbam was again suspended indefinitely on 28 February 2026, alongside the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development for Concession, Ogbonnaya Abara.

At the time, Governor Nwifuru cited alleged dereliction of duty, slow project delivery and lapses in the Ministry of Works for the suspension of the officials.

Three days after that suspension, Mr Mbam publicly apologised and appealed to the governor for another opportunity to serve.

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He accepted responsibility for what he described as “unmet expectations” and asked for a second chance.

On 3 May 2026, Mr Nwifuru recalled Mr Mbam and other suspended officials during a Father’s Day service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki.

Mr Mbam subsequently returned to his position as works commissioner.

This is the third disciplinary action against him as works commissioner under Governor Nwifuru.

The state government has not announced a replacement for the commissioner.