Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved the suspension of three government officials recommended by the State Assembly.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, Alia attributed the suspension to his belief in the rule of law.
The suspended government officials are the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education, Grace Adagba, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Michael Uper.
The suspension is to last for one month.
The statement read, “In line with the resolutions passed by the House, His Excellency affirms the following:
“The suspension of the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, for a period of one month, effective from today.
“The suspension of the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Grace Adagba, for a period of one month, effective from today. The immediate suspension of the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Mr. Michael Uper, for a period of one month, effective from today.”
Alia reiterated his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process and the principles of separation of powers.
He also commended the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional responsibilities, assuring the residents that his administration remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The governor urged all affected institutions to ensure seamless continuity of service delivery during this period, calling on the people of the State to continue to support the government’s efforts towards building a state that works for all.
The state assembly had at different times recommended the suspension of the government officials for six months each.
Following the non-approval of the recommendations by the state governor, the house declared that it would no longer entertain any correspondence from the executive as well and declined to screen the commissioner nominees earlier forwarded to them.
