FIC Report (Benue State) – The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga, has charged lawmakers to prioritize security, economic resilience, effective oversight and citizen engagement as the Assembly commenced the First Sitting of the Fourth Legislative Session.
Addressing members on Tuesday 9 June 2026 at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi following the resumption from recess, the Speaker described the new legislative session as a defining moment to consolidate the Assembly’s achievements and strengthen its legacy as a people-centred and result-oriented legislature.
Rt. Hon. Emberga expressed gratitude to God for preserving members through the recess period and welcomed them back to the hallowed chambers. He noted that the break provided lawmakers with the opportunity to rest, reconnect with their constituents and participate in their respective party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Speaker, the Fourth Legislative Session represents the final phase of the current legislative calendar and requires renewed commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the people of Benue State.
He acknowledged the contributions of members in previous sessions, stating that while the Assembly had performed creditably in service to the state, greater efforts were still required to meet the growing expectations of the people.
Highlighting the priorities for the new session, Rt. Hon. Emberga said the Assembly would continue to provide legislative support for security and peace-building initiatives to enable farmers return safely to their ancestral lands and sustain Benue’s status as the Food Basket of the Nation.
He added that lawmakers would focus on economic resilience and infrastructure development through legislation and resolutions aimed at enhancing internally generated revenue, promoting youth entrepreneurship and supporting the completion of critical projects across the state.
The Speaker further stressed the need for rigorous oversight of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, insisting that public institutions must operate with transparency, accountability and efficiency to ensure value for public resources.
On citizen participation, he assured that the Assembly would strengthen its public hearing processes to ensure that laws enacted genuinely reflect the aspirations and needs of the people of Benue State.
While acknowledging the increasing pace of political activities as the 2027 elections approach, Rt. Hon. Emberga urged members to remain focused on their legislative responsibilities and uphold the principles of constructive debate, wisdom in lawmaking and collaboration with other arms of government.
He called on lawmakers to renew their commitment to the people they represent and work collectively towards a productive and impactful legislative year.
The Speaker thereafter formally declared open the First Sitting of the Fourth Legislative Session of the Benue State House of Assembly and wished members a peaceful and successful session.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
