The situation unfolding in Benue State under Governor Hyacinth Alia is a shameful illustration of governmental neglect and disregard for the very institutions that underpin democracy.
Since the inauguration of the State House of Assembly on June 5, 2023, Governor Alia has demonstrated lack of respect for the Assembly and the dignity of its members.
The decision to initiate a total renovation of the Assembly Complex under suspicious reasons has devolved into a protracted exercise in humiliation for the lawmakers who have been relegated to working under deplorable conditions – sitting on plastic chairs and plastic tables to conduct legislative business.
For one year and seven months, the Benue lawmakers have been deprived of their rightful offices and were at some point forced to conduct their plenary sittings at Government House. This arrangement not only undermines the autonomy of the legislature but also subjects the Assembly members to undue scrutiny and control by the executive branch led by Governor Alia. The Benue State Governor needs to know that his action is antithetical to the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances that are foundational to democratic governance.
The indignity of sitting on plastic chairs and tables in a hall outside the House Chambers is a glaring affront to the dignity of the legislative arm of government. It is unacceptable that elected representatives of the people, who are entrusted with the critical responsibility of lawmaking and oversight, are treated with such disdain by Governor Alia. The image of the legislature is tarnished when its members are forced to operate in makeshift conditions, stripped of the respect and functionality that their roles demand.
The Assembly’s resolution calling for the mobilization of the contractor to complete the renovation work which was a legitimate and necessary demand was snubbed by the governor. It is a crying shame that Governor Alia chose to snub the lawmakers and has taken no action in response to the resolution of the House. This is a clear manifestation of his disregard for the legislative authority and the rights of the lawmakers.
It is important that the members of the Benue State House of Assembly recognize the gravity of their situation and take a stand against this maltreatment by Governor Alia who has also denied some of them the statutory right of being given official vehicles.
The time has come for the Benue legislators to assert their rights and demand the respect they deserve. They must collectively insist that Governor Alia fulfill his obligations and provide them with a conducive environment to carry out their duties. It is not merely a question of comfort; it is about upholding the integrity of the legislature and protecting the democratic process in Benue State.
Governor Alia’s silence accompanied by such blatant arrogance and disrespect only emboldens those in the Benue State Executive to further undermine members of the House of Assembly. The lawmakers must take decisive action to restore dignity to their office and reinforce the importance of legislative independence.
Let this be a clarion call to you members of the Benue State House of Assembly: stand united irrespective of party affiliation, demand your rights, and take the necessary steps to ensure that the image of the legislature is preserved and respected.
You have already been branded as ‘errand boys’ and ‘lap dogs’ of Governor Alia. I refuse to join those who call you such names. But the onus is on you to prove that you are not what some people have been saying you are.
The citizens of Benue State are counting on you to uphold the principles of democracy and to ensure that their voices are heard through a functioning and respected legislative body. While you do this, also insist that Governor Alia respects due process and desists from acting like an emperor who has conquered the territory known as Benue State.
I wish you well, my dear Benue Legislators.
Engr Agema writes from Lugbe, Abuja.