The Benue State House of Assembly, on Friday, suspended the screening of commissioner-nominees sent by Governor Hyacinth Alia, citing persistent disregard for its resolutions by the governor.
The lawmakers, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Hyacinth Dajoh, unanimously resolved to decline further correspondence from the governor until their demands were met.
Raising a motion of urgent public importance, the member representing Gwer West State Constituency, Shimavever Jiji, accused the governor of treating the assembly with contempt, saying Alia had allegedly refused to honour any of its resolutions.
Jiji said, “The governor has consistently treated the House with total disregard and ignored all resolutions we passed.”
The motion was seconded by Thomas Dugeri, who expressed concern over what he described as the governor’s continued neglect of legislative input.
Dugeri said, “The governor has shown no respect for the hallowed chamber. Issues of public interest raised here are ignored, and this is unacceptable.”
Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate clarified that their action was not to obstruct governance but to ensure that the executive respects the legislature and upholds the rule of law.
One of the first actions taken by the House on Friday was the suspension of the screening of commissioner-nominees submitted by the governor.
The lawmakers insisted that they were not opposed to the confirmation of commissioners, insisting that the governor Alia must first demonstrate respect for legislative resolutions and prior agreements.
Among their demands is the immediate release of official vehicles to seven members who were yet to receive theirs.
They also insisted that the governor implement resolutions directing the suspension of the Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, and the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Sports Lottery and Marketing Board.
Reading the resolutions, Speaker Dajoh said, “The House resolves that any letter or correspondence from the governor will no longer be honoured until the mentioned persons are suspended.
“The House also resolves that the seven vehicles must be released to members before any further requests from the executive are considered.”
Each time a resolution was read, the Speaker asked, “Is that taken?” and members chorused, “Yeah,” in unison.
