The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has emphasized that the ongoing investigation into the income and expenditures of the suspended local government chairmen is in accordance with the Constitution and the State Local Government Establishment Law. He stated that claiming ignorance is not a valid excuse under the law.
In response to the directive by the Assembly for the immediate suspension of the chairmen, they held a press conference and vowed to resist the action. Michael Uba, the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), expressed their strong objection, stating that they do not recognize the suspension and will not comply with any directive from the Assembly or the local government bureau.
However, the speaker’s chief press secretary, Raphael Akume, clarified the constitutional basis for the investigation. He highlighted that the State House of Assembly is empowered by Section 128 of the Constitution to conduct investigations into matters within its legislative competence, especially when it involves exposing corruption, inefficiency, or waste in the execution or administration of laws. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and due process in the state.
According to the speaker’s statement, the suspended chairmen should have been aware of Section 7 of the Constitution, which grants the State House of Assembly the authority to make laws concerning the structure, composition, functions, and financing of local governments. The Benue State Local Government Establishment Law was passed based on this constitutional provision. The law also empowers the Assembly to recommend the suspension of local government councils in cases of misappropriation of public funds or gross abuse of office.
The speaker reiterated that the Assembly’s recommendation for the suspension of all local government councils in the state was made after considering a report on the income and expenditures of the councils, forwarded by the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. The House was requested to investigate the matter in line with the relevant sections of the Constitution.
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, the Benue State Assembly recommended the immediate suspension of council chairmen and 276 councillors due to allegations of misappropriation of funds.
The investigation into the actions of the suspended chairmen aims to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of good governance. The Benue State Assembly is committed to fulfilling its constitutional mandate and maintaining transparency in the administration of local government affairs.