BREAKING: Ebonyi Governor sacks Works Commissioner

Politics

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.

The decision was contained in a public service announcement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The statement said the governor had directed Mbam to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.

Advertisement

He was also directed to transfer his responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, FCAI, GGCEHF, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam,” the statement said.

“The Governor also directed him to hand over all Government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.

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

No reason was given for the commissioner’s removal in the announcement.

The development comes amid criticism from opposition figures over the performance of the Nwifuru administration, particularly regarding infrastructure and the commissioning of projects.

Earlier in the year, Nwifuru had accused Mbam of giving him inaccurate information about the completion status of some government projects, alleging that some projects reported as completed were not actually completed.

However, the government did not state whether the governor’s earlier criticism was connected to the commissioner’s removal.

The latest development comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties expected to continue scrutinising the performance of the state government.