Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has suspended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, for three months, citing his failure to effectively manage the ministry.
Governor Nwifuru announced the decision on Wednesday during a citizens’ engagement forum on the state’s 2025 budget proposal held in Abakaliki. He expressed disappointment over the ministry’s inefficiency despite the state’s substantial investments in the health sector.
“The health ministry is sick, despite having an abundance of qualified personnel. Leadership positions come with responsibilities, and no one in authority should take their mandates lightly,” the governor stated.
Nwifuru highlighted key challenges, including a contractor failing to deliver N3 billion worth of equipment and consumables for primary healthcare centers. He also noted the government’s billions of naira investment in upgrading general hospitals and primary healthcare centers, which have yet to yield tangible results.
To address these issues, the governor announced plans to establish committees to inspect and evaluate health facilities across the state. He emphasized the need for these facilities to become self-sustaining by enabling health workers to generate funds for their operations and staff salaries.
Governor Nwifuru also hinted at extending this self-sustaining model to other sectors, including the state broadcasting service, which he plans to restructure as a public liability company.
He warned public officeholders against inefficiency, stating, “We have been in office for over a year. Anyone who is not serious about their duties should leave.”
Stakeholders at the forum commended the governor’s proactive leadership and pledged their continued support for his administration.