Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, yesterday announced the suspension of the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Francis Orji, indefinitely for gross misconduct.

The State Commissioner for Information and state Orientation, Senator Emmanuel Onwe disclosed this to Journalists during a joint press briefing he convened with other State Executive Council (EXCO) members at the government House in Abakaliki.

According to him, Orji committed acts which brought embarrassment to the state government, adding that the Deputy Principal Secretary, Chief Emmanuel Obasi would act as the acting commissioner for 30 days.

Onwe further stated that Mr David Nweke, an accountant with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has been recommended for special commendation by the EXCO.

“Nweke displayed an act of integrity and honesty by returning N20 million to the state government coffers which was an excess payment, made by the board.

“He detected the anomaly being the accounting officer from which the funds passed through and returned it to the government coffers.

“The chairman of EXCO, who is the state governor, approved that Nweke be promoted at least by one grade level with immediate effect and given special commendation.

“The governor also approved that Nweke be given an official vehicle in appreciation of his act of great integrity and honesty,” he said.

Dr. Chamberlain Nwele, the state Head of Service noted that the state government would offset the total cost of burying the late Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Chief Fidelis Mbam.

“The EXCO has approved a state burial for Mbam for his performance in the position and other positions he held before his demise.

“He was an astute politician, technocrat, bureaucratic as the state burial ceremonies commenced on Wednesday with a service of songs.

“His body would lie in state at the State Cabinet Office on Thursday, the grand finale being the burial would be held on Friday with the entire Ebonyi government being involved.

It will be recalled that the suspended commissioner was the former commissioner for water resources before he was deployed to the ministry of border, peace and conflict resolution.

He was subsequently redeployed to the ministry of solid minerals where he was presently suspended indefinitely.

Umahi had previously suspended the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Augustine Nwankwegu and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Moses Nome, indefinitely.