The Benue State House of Assembly has called for the immediate suspension of the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, for a period of six months, citing accusations of financial impropriety and abuse of office.
This recommendation came during Friday’s plenary, which was presided over by the Speaker, Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
The decision followed the submission of findings by the Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs, which reported that Ogiri allegedly diverted public funds into his personal bank account and unlawfully shut down the local government’s legislative chambers.
Lawmakers condemned what they described as the “misappropriation of funds”, along with “the harassment of councilors” and the “closure of the legislative chamber.”
As a result, the Assembly advised that the Deputy Chairman should be sworn in immediately to assume leadership of the council.
To further probe the allegations, the House constituted a five-member investigative panel headed by Bemdoo Ipusu.
Other members include Michael Audu, Cyril Ekong, Solomon Gyila, and Berger Alfred, while Mr. Bem Abunde will serve as the panel’s secretary.
