Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru suspended Dr. Moses Ekuma, the health commissioner, for three months for failing to lead.
Nwifuru made this statement at the citizens’ involvement conference for the 2025 budget plan on Wednesday in Abakaliki, speaking to stakeholders from various sectors.
Despite having skilled staff, Nwifuru claimed the health ministry “is sick.”
“A person in power should understand it comes with many duties,” he said. “Those in authority must fulfill their mandates and not be lazy.”
He lamented that despite heavy investment, the government had achieved little in the health sector. A contractor raised N3 billion to supply equipment to major healthcare facilities, yet the administration failed to improve general hospitals and primary healthcare centers.
Nwifuru announced that the government would form committees to assess medical institutions across the state.
“We have introduced several initiatives, including revolving medicine funds for general hospitals, achieving a 60% delivery rate.”
When people in remote areas fall ill, he stated, “We are equipping health facilities to provide immediate treatment before referring patients to specialist hospitals.”
He added that health officials would manage the fully restored medical facilities to ensure their viability, generating income for the government and medical professionals.
The state broadcasting service, which will operate as a public liability firm, will follow the same regulations.
The governor also announced plans to transfer surplus employees to other ministries and use the establishment’s earnings to operate it.
He warned commissioners and public officials to take their responsibilities seriously, adding that more would face consequences for inefficiency. “They’ve had the chance to understand their obligations.”
“Anyone making jokes should do so at home, as we’ve been in office for a year and a half,” he declared.
Some stakeholders at the meeting praised Nwifuru’s “inclusive governance” and vowed to continue supporting his administration, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
CREDIT:Allneeds,THE PUNCH
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