Palpable fear has enveloped the appointees of Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State following the order to submit all official vehicles at their disposal for inspection.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Grace Umezuruike, on Thursday, directed commissioners, special assistants, senior special assistants, permanent secretaries and members of boards and commissions to submit their vehicles for physical inspection.
The statement, which came on the instance of Governor Nwifuru, also ordered the SSG to forward the names of those who failed to comply with the directive to him.
“His Excellency, our dear Governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed that all government officials who have been allocated one or more vehicles, be it official, utility vehicle or both, should physically present the vehicle/s to the office of the SSG.
“Principal officers and commissioners are expected to present their official vehicles tomorrow, Friday, 8/8/25, between 10 am and 12 noon at the premises of the SSG.
“SSAs and permanent secretaries are to make their presentation on Saturday, 9/8/25, same time and venue, while SAs, boards, commissions and others will take their turn on Monday, 11/8/25, same time and venue.
“His Excellency also directed that names of those who fail to present their cars be compiled and sent to him,” the statement noted.
Recently, a public affairs analyst and social media enthusiast, Chika Nwoba, on his Facebook page, alleged that a certain commissioner in the state sold his official vehicle and called on the governor to investigate the allegation.
An Ebonyi resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “My brother, what do you expect? How do you expect an SSA who has never in his life driven any car to be driving a car worth over N100m and is still a tenant in someone’s house?
“It is expected that some of them might have sold the car and used the money to buy a cheaper car and also start a building project in Abakaliki.
“It will be shameful and disgraceful that you will serve as a commissioner and finish your tenure and still be a tenant.”
