Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect, months after the commissioner was suspended over alleged dereliction of duty.
The governor’s directive was announced on Saturday in a Public Service Announcement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.
Mbam was instructed to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.
He was also directed to transfer the administrative affairs of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.
The announcement did not state the reason for the commissioner’s latest removal.
“The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, FCAI, GGCEHF has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam,” the statement read.
The government said the decision was consistent with the administration’s commitment to effective governance and improved public infrastructure.
Mbam’s exit comes about seven months after he was suspended by the governor in February 2026 alongside the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development for Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara.
The February action was linked to allegations of dereliction of duty. At the time, however, the suspension was presented as a temporary measure rather than a permanent dismissal.
Saturday’s directive now ends Mbam’s tenure in the state cabinet, although the government has not indicated whether the earlier allegations were connected to the latest decision.
The development also leaves the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works with responsibility for the ministry’s administrative operations until the governor issues further instructions.
The Works Ministry occupies a significant position in the state administration because of its role in road construction, rehabilitation and other public infrastructure projects.
The governor’s office did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding Mbam’s departure.
There has also been no official indication of whether a replacement has been selected or when a new commissioner will be appointed to oversee the ministry.
Mbam’s removal comes as the state government continues to highlight infrastructure delivery as part of its governance agenda. The administration has repeatedly placed public works and road development among its key areas of activity.
The recent cabinet change therefore creates a transition period for the Ministry of Works, with its Permanent Secretary expected to coordinate its affairs until a fresh political appointment is made.
The government’s decision is the second major action involving Mbam’s position this year. The February suspension temporarily took him out of office, while the September directive formally terminates his tenure as commissioner.
Unlike the earlier action, Saturday’s announcement contains no explanation of what precipitated the dismissal.
The absence of a stated reason leaves the precise circumstances behind the governor’s decision unclear, with the state government yet to offer additional clarification.
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