FIC Report (Benue State) – The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aondoaver Berger Alfred Emberga, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the contractor handling the renovation of the Assembly Complex to complete the project or face fraud charges.
Rt. Hon. Emberga stated that if the contractor fails to deliver and hand over the completed project by the end of October 2025, the House will petition the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for necessary action.
The Speaker gave the warning on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the Assembly Complex, accompanied by other members of the House. He expressed dissatisfaction that the contractor had abandoned the site, leaving the complex under lock and key.
He lamented that the slow pace of work has greatly inconvenienced members, who currently sit on plastic chairs for plenary sessions. The Speaker further warned that if the delay persists, the House would summon the Ministry of Works to produce the contract documents for a detailed review of the project specifications.
Rt. Hon. Emberga frowned at what he described as gross negligence on the part of the contractor, despite having received full payment for the project. He emphasized that the Assembly intends to receive and consider the 2026 budget estimates from the Executive Governor in the fully renovated chamber, hence the urgency to complete the renovation.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
