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Benue Assembly Blocks Governor’s Commissioner Nominees
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Lawmakers accuse Alia of disrespecting legislative resolutions.
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House demands compliance before considering new commissioner nominees
The Benue State House of Assembly has rejected Governor Hyacinth Alia’s request for the screening and confirmation of new commissioner nominees, citing a lack of respect for the legislative arm,
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that during plenary on Friday, presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh, lawmakers accused the governor of repeatedly disregarding resolutions and recommendations from the Assembly. They resolved not to consider any requests from the executive until their grievances are addressed.
The decision was conveyed in a statement by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Terver Zamber, following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Shimapever Jiji. Jiji argued that Governor Alia had treated the Assembly with “total disregard,” a sentiment echoed by Thomas Dugeri, who stressed that several pressing issues earlier raised remained unresolved.
“The governor has no respect for this hallowed chamber,” Dugeri stated, with other members voicing similar concerns. They clarified that the move was not to hinder governance but to safeguard the legislature’s independence and ensure executive accountability.
The Assembly insisted that before commissioner screenings can take place, the governor must demonstrate a willingness to honour past agreements and uphold legislative resolutions.
Among their demands are the immediate provision of official vehicles to affected members, and the enforcement of suspension orders issued to the chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, and the executive secretary of the Benue State Sports Lottery and Marketing Board.
Lawmakers resolved that no further correspondence from the executive will be entertained until these conditions are met.
