*Govt Dismisses Rumoured Removal Of Speaker
THE Benue State House of Assembly, on Friday, August 22, suspended four lawmakers for six months over what it described as an attempt to remove the Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, on Thursday night, August 21.
The suspended members spokesman of the Assembly, Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi) and James Umoru (Apa).
Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, who raised the matter under urgent importance, accused the members of trying to plunge the Assembly into what he called “a needless crisis” by plotting to unseat the Speaker.
Thereafter, Dajoh ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the four lawmakers out of the chamber and later announced Audu Elias as Berger’s replacemnt as spokesperson.
Following the development, the Speaker announced Kennedy Angbo as the new Deputy Majority Leader, Douglas Akya as Deputy Chief Whip and Elias Audu as spokesman.
This came less than 24 hours after the Assembly rejected two of the eight commissioner-nominees forwarded to it by Governor Hyacinth Alia for screening and confirmation, including Associate Professor of Law, Yangien Ornguga, and Mr. James Dwen.
Ornguga, a lecturer at Benue State University, Makurdi, was rejected following four petitions from some of his former students, alleging victimisation.
Those confirmed were Theresa Odachi Ikwue; Benjamin Ashaver; Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa; Peter Oboh Egbodo; Denis Iyaighgba and Paul Ejeh Ogwuche.
The Assembly urged the governor to submit replacements for the two nominees for consideration.
Thereafter, commenced the screening of five commissioner nominees, while two others, Ogwu Odeh and Imojime Tiza, would have their turn on a later date.
Meanwhile, the state government has dismissed reports on social media that Dajoh has been removed.
The government, in a statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, Asortar James Asortar, described the claims as fake news orchestrated by opposition media to mislead the public.
Asortar insisted that contrary to the rumours, Governor Hyacinth Alia was seen late Thursday night, in the company of the Speaker at the Government House inspecting newly acquired vehicles meant for some members of the Assembly.
He added: “This activity highlights the ongoing collaboration between the governor’s office and the Assembly, aiming to enhance government operations and improve service delivery to the people of Benue.
“We urge the public to remain discerning and to rely on credible sources for accurate information.
“The efforts by certain media factions to disseminate misinformation are nothing more than blatant lies intended to create confusion within Benue State.”
