FIC REPORT (BENUE STATE) – The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday 18 August 2026 recommended the removal of the Auditor-General for Local Governments, Dr. Abraham Gberindyer, over alleged gross misconduct and procurement violations linked to a ₦4.6 billion consultancy contract for auditing the 23 Local Government Councils.
This was made known by the Speaker Rt. Hon Alfred Emberga at the Assembly complex in Makurdi. The investigation was carried out by the joint committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs, Finance and Public Account.
The committee found that the contract was awarded to two consultants without competitive bidding and that parts of the exercise duplicated audits already conducted by the Auditor-General’s office. The committee also raised concerns over the ₦3.44 billion advance payment made to the consultants.
It recommended stricter compliance with financial and procurement regulations, an end to unnecessary duplication of audits, renegotiation of consultancy fees and amendment of the 1996 Edict establishing the Auditor-General’s office.
Meanwhile, the Assembly elected Hon. Peter Ipusu Bemdoo, representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency, as its new Majority Leader. Speaker Rt. Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga urged him to use his legislative experience to promote cooperation and effective representation.
In another development, Governor Hyacinth Alia submitted six nominees to the Assembly for consideration as members of the State Executive Council. The nominees are Hon. Kuma Aii Yenge, Hon. Roy Ashirga Terna, Hon. Angwa Egbe Monday, Hon. Elizabeth Onma Ogenyi, Hon. Solomon Iorpev and Hon. Nick Eworo.
The governor said the nominations were aimed at strengthening the State Executive Council and enhancing effective service delivery across the state.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
