Benue Lawmakers Stop Screening Gov Alia’s Cabinet Nominees Over Unmet Conditions

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended the screening of commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Hyacinth Alia, insisting that the executive must first implement its earlier resolutions. The decision was taken on Friday in Makurdi, shortly after Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh read the governor’s letter presenting his proposed cabinet members. Lawmakers across party lines said they were not opposed to screening in principle but argued that unresolved welfare and operational issues must be addressed before considering any further correspondence from the executive.

Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) stressed that while screening was a constitutional duty, the Assembly’s support for the governor could not continue without action on pending matters. Simon Gabo (APC/Mata) said the governor’s submission of nominees showed recognition of the legislature’s role, but lamented that members had yet to receive their first constituency allowances, seven had no official cars, and sittings were still held outside the Chamber due to incomplete renovations. He called for an indefinite adjournment, accusing the governor of sidelining lawmakers.

Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East) likened the situation to a “state of nature” and criticised the non-implementation of resolutions such as the unfreezing of state accounts. Manger Manger (APC/Tarka) also complained of being denied constituency service funds despite budgetary allocations, urging that the governor’s letter be stood down. Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpo-Akpa) accused the executive of encouraging ministry and agency heads to ignore legislative invitations and condemned the absence of official cars for seven members.

While some lawmakers, including Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) and Michael Audu (PDP/Adoka-Ugboju), opposed an indefinite adjournment, they supported delaying the screening until the governor acted on resolutions. Ipusu also criticised alleged social media attacks on legislators by aides of SUBEB Chair Dr Grace Adagba. Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) said legislators had avoided confrontation but could not work effectively while their welfare was ignored. William Ortyom (PDP/Agasha) decried the poor conditions in the Assembly, noting it was the only legislature in the country still sitting on plastic chairs.

In his ruling, Speaker Dajoh directed the governor to comply with resolutions, including the suspension of the SUBEB Chair, Otukpo Council Chairman, and Sports Lottery Board Executive Secretary. He warned that until demands—such as the provision of seven official vehicles—were met, the Assembly would not consider any further correspondence from the governor.