Okoronkwo was suspended over allegations of gross misconduct leveled against her. Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ifeyinwa Kalu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Ngozi Azodo, were directed by the state government to run the affairs of the Ministry pending the outcome of the investigations on Okoronkwo.
Some workers who pleaded anonymity for fear of being victimized claimed that their suspended commissioner was arrogant and unfriendly in her interactions with workers. A staff member of the Health Management Board who simply identified himself as 'Comrade' called on the Governor to use the opportunity of the Commissioner's investigation to look into some complaints by staff of the HMB. 'We salute the decision of the Governor to suspend the Commissioner.