Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the arrest and prosecution of six staff members from the Ministry of Health for allegedly stealing government materials. The individuals, including Mr. Ndukwe Ayansi, were caught on Saturday night attempting to transport the stolen items from the ministry's warehouse to sell them.
The incident was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor. The statement detailed that Governor Nwifuru personally discovered the theft while on his way to inspect a project. He noticed a truck being loaded with government registers, patient data cards, and other official documents.
Further investigations at the scene confirmed that these materials had been unlawfully sold without government authorization. The governor expressed his outrage at the act, describing it as a direct sabotage of efforts to improve the state’s health sector.
“Our rural hospitals desperately need these registers, data entry forms, and hospital cards,” Nwifuru said. “It is unacceptable that resources provided by the government are being stolen and sold. This act undermines our work to reform healthcare in Ebonyi State and will not be tolerated.”
The suspects, who were employees of the Ministry of Health, have been handed over to the police for further investigation and legal action. The governor assured residents that his administration remains committed to addressing corruption and ensuring accountability in public service.
This incident highlights the challenges faced in maintaining transparency and efficiency in the delivery of essential services. The state government has reaffirmed its dedication to enforcing strict measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Governor Nwifuru called on all public servants to align with his administration’s vision of fostering development and warned that any form of misconduct would be met with severe consequences.
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