Finally, Benue Gov Obeys Assembly, Suspends 3 Top Officials

Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved the one-month-long suspension of three government officials as recommended by the State House of Assembly.

The suspended government officials include chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Grace Adagba; chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area Council, Maxwell Ogiri, and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Michael Uper.

The State Assembly had previously suggested that the government officials be suspended for six months at various intervals.

Following the state governor’s non-approval of the recommendations, the House declared that it would no longer entertain correspondence from the executive arm of government and declined to screen the commissioner-nominees earlier forwarded to it for consideration.

However, in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kula Tersoo, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, Governor Alia attributed the suspension to his belief in the rule of law.

The statement read, “In line with the resolutions passed by the House, His Excellency affirms the following:

“The suspension of the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, for a period of one month, effective from today.

“The suspension of the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Grace Adagba, for a period of one month, effective from today. The immediate suspension of the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Mr. Michael Uper, for a period of one month, effective from today.”

Alia reiterated his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the principles of separation of powers. He also commended the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional responsibilities and assured the residents that his administration remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The governor encouraged all impacted institutions to maintain uninterrupted service delivery during this time and appealed to the state’s residents to persist in their support for the government’s initiatives to construct a state that benefits everyone.