Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved the suspension of three top government officials recommended for disciplinary action by the State House of Assembly.
The suspended officials are the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Grace Adagba; the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri; and the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Mr. Michael Uper.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Governor Alia said the decision underscores his commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the principles of separation of powers. The suspension, he added, will last for one month.
“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 SUBEB, Mrs. Grace Adagba, for a period of one month, effective from today; and 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,” the statement read.
Governor Alia commended the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional duties, assuring residents of his administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and good governance. He further urged the affected institutions to ensure seamless service delivery during the suspension period.
The development comes after weeks of tension between the executive and the legislature. The House had earlier recommended the suspension of the three officials for six months each, but the governor initially withheld approval. In response, the Assembly declared it would no longer entertain correspondence from the executive and also declined to screen commissioner nominees forwarded by the governor.
With Wednesday’s decision, Governor Alia appears to be seeking a middle ground by approving a one-month suspension instead of the six months earlier demanded by the lawmakers.
