The Benue State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh, has suspended four members, including the Deputy Chief Whip, Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North), for three months over alleged attempts to cause chaos during plenary in Makurdi.
The other suspended lawmakers are Shimawua Emmanuel (APC/Tiev), Cyril Ikong (APC/Oju II), and Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa). Their suspension followed a motion by Majority Leader Saater Tiseer (APC/Mbagwa), who initially sought a six-month suspension, accusing them of dishonourable conduct against the unity of the house.
Tiseer said their actions undermined the resolutions passed on Aug. 20, when members expressed confidence in the assembly leadership and Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration. His motion was seconded by Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East), who alleged that non-state actors had been intimidating the speaker and house leadership.
In his ruling, the speaker upheld a three-month suspension and dissolved all committees. He also appointed Elias Audu as Chairman of the Information Committee, Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) as Deputy Chief Whip, and Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpo-Akpa) as Deputy Majority Leader.
(NAN)