The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended the ongoing screening of commissioner-nominees sent by Governor Hyacinth Alia, citing the governor’s continued disregard for legislative decisions.
At Friday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh, lawmakers unanimously agreed to halt all official correspondence from the executive until the governor complies with previous resolutions.
Raising a motion of urgent public importance, Shimavever Jiji, who represents Gwer West State Constituency, condemned the governor’s repeated snubbing of the assembly’s directives.
“The governor has consistently treated the House with total disregard and ignored all resolutions we passed,” Jiji declared.
The motion was seconded by Thomas Dugeri, who echoed concerns over what he termed as executive high-handedness.
“The governor has shown no respect for the hallowed chamber. Issues of public interest raised here are ignored, and this is unacceptable,” Dugeri stated.
Other members who contributed to the discussion clarified that the assembly’s move was not an act of hostility but a firm stance to protect legislative authority and uphold the rule of law.
The most immediate outcome of the House’s decision was the suspension of commissioner-nominee screenings, which had been ongoing.
Lawmakers emphasized that their decision was not aimed at derailing governance but rather to insist on mutual respect between the arms of government.
They also listed a series of unmet demands, including the provision of official vehicles to seven legislators who have yet to receive theirs, despite previous agreements.
Furthermore, they reiterated their resolution urging Governor Alia to suspend key officials.
These include 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 formal resolutions of the House, Speaker Dajoh declared:
“The House resolves that any letter or correspondence from the governor will no longer be honoured until the mentioned persons are suspended.”
He added, “The House also resolves that the seven vehicles must be released to members before any further requests from the executive are considered.”
After each resolution was read aloud, the Speaker posed the standard question, “Is that taken?” to which the members responded in unison, “Yeah.”
