TheCable

David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, has suspended Collins Eze, his special assistant on technical affairs, over alleged gross misconduct.

In a statement on Tuesday, Kenneth Igwe, the secretary to the state government, said the suspension is indefinite.

It is, however, not exactly clear what constituted the alleged gross misconduct.

“As a direct consequence of this indefinite suspension, the governor has, in the exercise of his powers as enshrined in the state honours law, 2022, approved the cancellation and withdrawal of the honours award recently given to Eze by the state government,” the statement reads.

“Eze is directed to hand over all government property in his possession to the secretary to the state government and coordinating commissioner before the close of work on Wednesday, 28th December, 2022.”

The development is the latest in a series of suspensions by Umahi over the past months.

In October, Godwin Nwankwo, permanent secretary of the ministry of power and energy, was suspended over alleged theft of diesel meant for streetlights.

In April, Umahi suspended Martin Uguru, permanent secretary, office of the head of service, for allegedly extorting civil servants.

Meanwhile, in August 2021, Clement Nweke, the commissioner for housing and urban development, was suspended over alleged insubordination and dereliction of duty.