State House of Assembly suspends 5 lawmakers
The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended five of its members after accusing them of protecting the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, from disciplinary action.
The lawmakers; Shimawua Terna, Mathew Damkor, Cephas Dyako, Moses Egbodo, and Isaac Echekliye are all members of the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs.
They have been suspended for three sittings.
Their suspension followed allegations that they altered a report on the activities of the Otukpo council chairman, which was submitted to the Assembly.
According to the House, the lawmakers tampered with the findings to cover up allegations against Ogiri.
When the committee presented its report, the Assembly observed that the information shared did not reflect the actual findings of the investigation.
In response, a new five-member ad hoc committee led by Hon. Ipusu was formed to re-investigate the matter.
The House accused the suspended lawmakers of trying to hide details of alleged mismanagement, abuse of office, and the unauthorized closure of the Otukpo Legislative Chamber and these acts believed to be connected to the LG chairman.
The Assembly stated that suspending the five lawmakers was a move to protect the credibility of its oversight role and ensure that no official escapes accountability.
The ad hoc committee is expected to release its final report soon.
