Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has debunked reports that he suspended some government officials for not attending his daughter’s birthday.
News360 Info reports that the rumour, which spread on formerly Twitter, claimed that Nwifuru took action against 25 commissioners and several appointees because they failed to show up at a birthday party held for his child.
But the Ebonyi State government revealed that the suspension had nothing to do with any birthday celebration.
Monday Uzor, chief press secretary to the Ebonyi governor, said the officials were punished for failing to attend a major public function; a basic school sports competition organised by the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC).
Governor Nwifuru had asked his deputy, Patricia Obila, to represent him at the event and directed other senior officials to be present.
Despite this instruction, many were absent, which led to disciplinary action.
“The governor was away and had instructed his deputy to represent him at the grand finale of the Basic School Sports competition organised by the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC). However, most of his commissioners and appointees failed to attend.
“So, when the governor learnt about it, he had to take action, as this was not the first time it was happening.
“And for that picture circulating, it is unrelated to the suspension. It was taken at a private event hosted by the governor in July”, Uzor said.
The suspension will last one month, during which the affected officials will not receive salaries or be allowed to sign any official documents.
