Gov Alia bows to pressure, suspends Council Chairman, 2 head of parastatals 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has approved the suspension of the executive chairman of Otukpo local government council, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, for a period of one month. 

The Governor also affirmed the immediate suspension of the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mrs. Grace Adagba, and the  Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Mr. Michael Uper for the period of one month each respectively.

Their suspension followed an intense  pressure from the State House  of Assembly that had earlier passed  resolutions calling for immediate suspension of the affected officers.

The  resolutions of the House were conveyed to the governor’s office regarding the suspension of some public officials.

In a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Kula Tersoo which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday, said the governor’s action was in line with the resolutions passed by the House.

Governor Alia reiterated his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process and the principles of separation of powers. 

He commended the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional responsibilities and assured the people of Benue State that his administration remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Alia urged all affected institutions to ensure seamless continuity of service delivery during this period and called on the people of Benue State to continue to support the government’s efforts towards building a state that works for all.

Recall, that at its sitting two weeks ago, the assembly in a unanimous resolution, recommended the suspension of the SUBEB Chairman for gross insubordination, while the Otukpo Chairman and the Executive Secretary, Benue State Lottery Board were accused of misappropriation of funds.

The house had insisted that if these persons were not suspended, it will not honor any correspondence from the Governor.

The house equally put on hold the screening of the list of commissioner nominees sent to house by the governor following the inability of the governor to approved the house numerous recommendations.