Professor Ornguga,
The Benue State House of Assembly has confirmed six out of eight commissioner nominees sent by Governor Hyacinth Alia but rejected the nomination of Professor Timothy Yangien Ornguga, citing multiple petitions and questions over his academic credentials.
During Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Aondona Dajoh, the lawmakers also turned down the nomination of James Dwen, directing the governor to submit replacements for both candidates.
Professor Ornguga, a law lecturer, faced scrutiny after four petitions were submitted by former students, alleging misconduct.
Additionally, members of the Assembly raised concerns over his educational background, particularly the absence of a primary school certificate.
The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, presented the petitions, while Manger Manger, the lawmaker representing Tarka Constituency, questioned the professor’s academic history.
In response, Ornguga denied wrongdoing, claiming that a grading issue involving a student was the result of interference by the dean of Benue State University, not personal misconduct.
Meanwhile, the House approved the nominations of six other individuals: Theresa Ikwue, Benjamin Ashaver, Adamu Ijaguwa, Peter Egbodo, Denis Iyaighgba, and Paul Ogwuche, all of whom were confirmed as commissioners-designate.
Following the session, the Assembly’s spokesperson and Makurdi North representative, Alfred Berger, addressed the media.
He clarified that the controversial report about a bill seeking to ban public displays of affection among couples in Benue was false and said a panel had been constituted to investigate the source of the misleading publication.
The Assembly is expected to reconvene on Friday to continue its screening of additional nominees.
