The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Maxwell Ogiri has suspended the legislative council indefinitely. The move comes barely a week after Governor Hyacinth Alia lifted Ogiri’s one-month suspension imposed by the state assembly.
Leader of the council, Philip Anya, in a petition to the Benue House of Assembly, accused Ogiri of shutting down legislative business for personal reasons, dismissing claims of a security threat. He called on the assembly to condemn the closure and set up a committee to investigate allegations of financial misconduct.
Also Read: NUPENG Suspends Strike After Deal with Dangote Refinery
A letter dated 8 September, signed by the council secretary Simon Idenyi, had directed councillors to conduct legislative business via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. However, Ogiri later said the decision was due to renovation of the dilapidated chamber and the temporary use of the council hall by the Idoma Traditional Council for chieftaincy matters.
Ogiri, who was earlier suspended for alleged misconduct, denied ignoring directives from the deputy governor. He said the impeachment of Anya and the majority leader occurred before he resumed office, and maintained that the legislative business could not continue in the current facilities.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.