FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, 19th February 2025, suspended thirteen members for a period of three months. The suspension was enacted following what the Speaker of the House described as “dishonorable actions capable of casting aspersions and causing acrimony within the House.”
As part of the resolution, the suspended members are required to refund funds allocated for an official foreign trip, as they will no longer be participating in the journey.
The House strongly condemned the actions of the Member representing Makurdi South Constituency, Mr. Douglas Akya, along with twelve others. Some of these members, after initially voting in favor of the removal of the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, later addressed a press conference denying their involvement in the decision.
The Speaker, Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, named the suspended members as follows:
1. Mr. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South)
2. Mr. Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East)
3. Mrs. Beckie Orpin (Gboko East)
4. Mr. Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata)
5. Mr. Williams Ortyom (Agasha)
6. Mr. Onah Blessed (Oju 1)
7. Mr. Elias Audu (Gwer East)
8. Mr. Anyor Mato (Kwande East)
9. Mr. Manger Manger (Tarka)
10. Mr. Solomon Gyila (Gwer West)
11. Mr. Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo)
12. Mr. Abraham Jabi (Buruku)
13. Mr. Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum)
Earlier in the session, the Majority Leader, Comr. Saater Tiseer, recalled that the House had received a formal complaint from the Attorney-General, outlining allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, bribery, and corruption against the embattled Chief Judge. After extensive deliberation, the House went into a division where 23 out of 31 members present voted in favor of the recommendation to remove Justice Ikpambese.
However, following the adoption of resolutions on the matter, thirteen members—some of whom had supported the removal of the Chief Judge—publicly dissociated themselves from the process. This action, according to the Majority Leader, contravened Order IX, Rule 58(6) of the House Standing Rules.
Comr. Tiseer emphasized that their actions were dishonorable, misleading, and capable of causing division within the House. He, therefore, moved a motion for their suspension for a period of three months, which was subsequently upheld by the House.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For: Head of Centre, Makurdi
