Ebonyi Governor Fires Commissioner After Recall from Suspension

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has fired the Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam.

Mr Nwifuru made the announcement in a statement from his spokesperson, Monday Uzor, on Saturday.

The governor’s action comes months after he brought Mr Mbam back from suspension for not doing his job well.

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

He also instructed Mr Mbam to pass on his duties to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works.

No reason was given for the commissioner’s removal.

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

This is not the first time Mr Mbam has had issues under Mr Nwifuru.

On 28 July 2025, the commissioner was one of about 85 government officials suspended by the governor for not attending an important government event.

They were recalled about a week later.

Mr Mbam faced another indefinite suspension on 28 February 2026, along with the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development for Concession, Ogbonnaya Abara.

Governor Nwifuru mentioned that the suspension was due to poor performance, slow project delivery, and problems in the Ministry of Works.

Three days later, Mr Mbam publicly apologized and asked the governor for another chance to serve.

He took responsibility for what he called “unmet expectations” and requested 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 returned to his role as works commissioner after that.

This is the third time he has faced disciplinary action as works commissioner under Governor Nwifuru.

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