N1.5 Billion Diversion: Governor Nwifuru To Punish SSG

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, vowed to visit the full weight of the law on the Secretary to the State Government, SSG,  Prof Grace Umezuruike, should she  be found wanting in an  alleged diversion of state’s funds.

This is just as he affirmed his readiness to further reshuffle the cabinet, should the need  arises.

The Source reports that some Concerned Ebonyians led by one Nwoba Chika ,a social critic, had recently forwarded a formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC , accusing the SSG of diverting the sum of N 1.5 billion meant for the purchase of  rice and other essential items for some categories of citizens during the 2024 Christmas celebration.

According to the petitioners, the SSG, rather than utilizing the funds for the Christmas palliatives, diverted the money into a private account.

Already, the EFCC is said to have secured a temporary order at a Federal High Court in Uyo Akwa Ibom State, for the said funds to be forfeited.

However, while reacting to the development on Sunday, Governor Nwifuru assured that the State Government will take appropriate actions once the final court judgment is out.

At a Church Service in Abakaliki, the State capital, the Governor informed he is monitoring the situation, particularly the Court process, and will not hesitate to wield the big stick.

“I received the news of a publication which was already before the Federal High Court Uyo about our Secretary to the State Government.

She is presumed innocent until investigation proves otherwise. I am a lawyer, and I know it is imperative to establish the facts before judgment to avoid setting wrong precedents”,

Governor Nwifuru stated .

The Governor, who recently effected some changes within his cabinet said he was dissatisfied and disappointed with the  performances of some of the appointees .

He expressed regret that some of them failed woefully to deliver on the administration’s mandate.

“We are worried that the vision statement as contained in our people’s charter of needs has not been satisfactorily realized which accounted for the minor reshuffle we did.

Our mission and vision are explicit, and that was why the people voted for us. However, we are still assessing them (appointees) and we shall do the needful if the need arises, Governor Nwifuru stated.