The Benue State House of Assembly has declined a correspondence from Governor Hyacinth Alia seeking the screening and confirmation of nominees for commissioner positions in the State Executive Council.
The resolution was reached during plenary on Thursday, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
Moving a motion of urgent public importance, Hon. Shimapever Jiji informed the House that the Governor has consistently refused to honour resolutions passed by the Assembly and has treated members with total disregard.
Seconding the motion, Hon. Pharm. Thomas Dugeri stressed that the Governor has failed to address pressing issues earlier raised by the legislature, adding that his conduct undermines the dignity and independence of the House.
Contributors to the debate emphasised that the decision was not to stall governance, but to compel the Executive Arm to respect legislative independence and uphold existing agreements. They reiterated that they are not opposed to the screening of commissioners but insisted that the Governor must first comply with outstanding resolutions.
The House demanded that the Governor immediately:
1. Provide official vehicles to the affected members;
2. Give effect to the suspension notices issued to the SUBEB Chairman;
3. Enforce the suspension of the Otukpo Local Government Council Chairman; and
4. Implement the suspension of the Executive Secretary, Benue State Sports Lottery and Marketing Board.
Until these demands are met, the Assembly resolved not to honour or entertain any further correspondence from the Executive Arm.
Terver Zamber
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
Benue State House of Assembly
August 8, 2025
