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Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has suspended another commissioner, Uchenna Igwe, over allegations of gross misconduct and failure to perform his duties.

According to reports, the suspension was announced on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Governor’s office in New Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki. Igwe, who held the position of Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, was suspended indefinitely for failing to carry out a directive from the Governor concerning the payment of local government pensions by a council chairman.

This marks the fourth recent suspension of a commissioner under Governor Nwifuru’s administration. Previously, commissioners for housing and urban development, water resources, and health faced similar actions due to alleged dereliction of duty and misconduct.

Governor Nwifuru reiterated his commitment to meeting the people’s charter of needs and ensuring accountability in his administration.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned Governor Nwifuru’s threat to dismiss striking workers over the non-implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.

During a press briefing on Monday, the Governor had warned of withholding salaries and replacing striking employees, asserting that the state government owed no worker and had approved ₦75,000 as the minimum wage, which was already being disbursed.

In response, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the Governor’s comments as irresponsible and called on workers to strengthen their strike action.