Benue Assembly suspends three council chairmen over financial misconduct

The Benue State House of Assembly (BSHA) has approved the suspension of three local council chairmen for three months over gross misconduct, financial misappropriation and other offences contrary to the state’s local government laws.

Those suspended are Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Council, James Akola and his deputy; Chairman, Gwer East Local Council, Vitalis Ukwar and Dennis Akura of Vandeikya Council.

The approval for their suspension followed a petition sent to the Assembly by the Benue State government requesting approval for their suspension after investigation of allegations against them.

Moving the motion for the suspension of Ogbadibo Council Chairman, Deputy Speaker of the House, Egli Johnson Ahubi, said their actions contravened the local government law of 2007 as amended, adding that their suspension will serve as a deterrent to others.

The member representing Ohimini state constituency, Christopher Adaji, seconded the motion.

Also, moving a motion for the suspension of Gwer East Council Chairman, representative of Konshisha state constituency, Edward Ujege said he should be suspended based on investigation and facts against him for contravening the state’s local council laws.

Seconding the motion, member representing Oju II state constituency, Ire Matthew, said any council officer who handles local government affairs with impunity should be summarily dealt with.

The motion for the suspension of Vandeikya Council Chairman, Dennis Akura was moved by Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Sule Audu and seconded by representative of Ogbadibo state constituency, Joseph Ojobo.

Ojobo decried the rate at which council chairmen spend public money not captured in the budget, which he said, was against the local government law of 2007 as amended.

The house, however, cautioned other council chairmen to be cautious and work in the interest of the people, as any council official found wanting would be made to face the law.

The House thereafter adjourned sitting of plenary to September 17, 2018.