Benue State House of Assembly Okays Suspension Of Otukpo LG Chairman
By Armstrong Tseaa, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, for six months over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office levelled against him.
The decision was taken during Friday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker , Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
The resolution followed the submission of a report by the Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs, which accused Ogiri of diverting government funds to his private account and illegally shutting down the local government legislative chambers.
Lawmakers condemned the alleged misappropriation of funds, harassment of councillors, and closure of the legislative chamber, recommending that the deputy chairman be immediately sworn in to lead the council in acting capacity during the period of the Chairman’s suspension.
The House also set up a five-man panel chaired by Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu to investigate the activities of the local government and report back within one week.
Other members of the panel include Michael Audu, Cyril Ekong, Solomon Gyila, and Berger Alfred, with Mr. Bem Abunde as secretary.
The Assembly also condemned the harassment of the Deputy Speaker by alleged supporters of the Ado Local Government Chairman, calling on the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene to prevent escalation of the impasse.