The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four of its members for a period of six months following accusations of attempting to destabilize the legislature by plotting to remove the Speaker, Aondona Dajoh.
The suspended members are identified as Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa).
The move was initiated by the Assembly's Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, who brought the issue forward under matters of urgent importance. Tiseer charged the lawmakers with attempting to incite an unnecessary crisis within the assembly. Following a vote on the motion, Speaker Dajoh ordered the four legislators to be immediately escorted from the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
In a related development, Speaker Dajoh appointed Audu Elias as the new spokesperson for the House, replacing the suspended Alfred Berger.
This political upheaval comes just a day after the Assembly declined to confirm two of the eight commissioner-nominees presented by Governor Hyacinth Alia. The rejected nominees are an Associate Professor of Law, Yangien Ornguga, and Mr. James Dwen. Professor Ornguga's confirmation hearing was notably contentious after legislators reviewed several petitions from his students alleging victimization.
Six other nominees were successfully confirmed. The Assembly has resolved to request that the governor submit replacements for the two rejected individuals.
Those confirmed include Hon. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa, Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo, Denis Iyaighgba, and Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche.
Speaker Dajoh praised the members for conducting a thorough and transparent screening process and urged the confirmed nominees to serve with integrity and dedication to the people of Benue State.
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