MAKURDI — Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has suspended three senior government officials following recommendations by the State House of Assembly. The officials affected are the Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Grace Adagba; Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri; and Executive Secretary of the State Lottery Commission, Michael Uper.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Governor Alia said the suspension, which will last for one month, was in line with his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and due process. He praised the Assembly for exercising its constitutional mandate, stressing that his government would continue to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“The suspension of the affected officials takes effect immediately,” the statement read. “His Excellency reiterates his unwavering commitment to the principles of separation of powers and urges all affected institutions to ensure seamless continuity of service delivery during this period.”
The House of Assembly had earlier recommended a six-month suspension for the officials but the governor initially declined to act, leading to tension between both arms of government. In protest, the Assembly announced it would no longer entertain correspondence from the executive and subsequently declined to screen commissioner nominees forwarded by the governor.
By finally yielding to the Assembly’s demand, Governor Alia appears to have eased the standoff, while calling on Benue citizens to continue supporting government policies aimed at building a state that works for all.
