The Benue State House of Assembly has halted the screening of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commissioner nominees, insisting that earlier resolutions must be implemented before any further legislative consideration.
The This stance was taken during Friday’s plenary in Makurdi after Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh read the governor’s letter introducing his proposed cabinet members.
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Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) acknowledged that screening commissioners falls within their constitutional duties and that members have always backed the governor.
However, he stressed that pending concerns must be resolved before engaging with the executive’s correspondence.
Similarly, Simon Gabo (APC/Mata) recognised that presenting nominees shows the governor’s acknowledgment of the Assembly’s role, yet complained about not receiving his first constituency allowance, which had delayed projects for his constituents.
He also cited incomplete renovation of the Assembly chamber and the absence of official vehicles for seven lawmakers, urging colleagues to suspend sittings sine die.
Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East) likened the situation to a “state of nature,” lamenting that resolutions such as the unfreezing of state accounts remained unimplemented.
Manger Manger (APC/Tarka) criticised the non-release of constituency service funds despite their inclusion in the budget, calling for the correspondence to be set aside while leadership continues dialogue with the executive.
Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpo-Akpa) faulted the executive’s disregard for resolutions, saying it emboldened ministry and agency heads to ignore Assembly invitations. He also described the lack of vehicles for members as unacceptable.
Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) opposed an indefinite adjournment but agreed to delay screening until the governor met the Assembly’s demands.
He also condemned derogatory remarks allegedly made by social media aides of the SUBEB Chair, Dr Grace Adagba, against legislators.
Michael Audu (PDP/Adoka-Ugboju) advised against a sine die adjournment, warning that it could affect the minimum sitting days required per legislative session.
Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) questioned how the Assembly could function effectively when lawmakers’ welfare was neglected, while Abu Edoh (PDP/Agatu) also opposed shutting down activities completely.
William Ortyom (PDP/Agasha) stressed that lawmakers were not trying to cripple the state, noting they had sat on plastic chairs for over two years — the only Assembly in the country still doing so.
Majority Leader Saater Tiseer appealed for calm, assuring members that engagement with the executive would continue until their concerns were addressed.
In his ruling, Speaker Dajoh directed Governor Alia to comply with all resolutions and suspend the SUBEB Chair, the Otukpo Council Chairman, and the Sports Lottery Board Executive Secretary.
He maintained that until the demands — including the provision of seven vehicles — were met, the Assembly would not consider any further correspondence from the governor.
