Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has ordered the immediate suspension of three senior public officials following resolutions passed by the State House of Assembly, reinforcing his administration’s pledge to uphold transparency, due process and accountability.
A statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, listed the affected officials as Mr Maxwell Ogiri, Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area; Dr Grace Adagba, Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); and Mr Michael Uper, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission. The suspension, according to the statement, will last for one month.
Governor Alia praised the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional mandate and called on the affected institutions to ensure that services to the public remain unhindered during the suspension.
“Our administration remains dedicated to building a state that works for all, and we call on the people to continue supporting government efforts,” the statement read.
In a parallel development, the Benue State House of Assembly held an emergency sitting ahead of its earlier scheduled date of 21 August 2025. At the session, lawmakers began screening new nominees presented by the Governor, confirming six commissioner designates while turning down two others.
Those confirmed include Hon Theresa Odachi Ikwue, Hon Dr Benjamin Ashaver, Hon Dr Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa, Hon Dr Peter Oboh Egbodo, Hon Denis Iyaighgba, and Dr Paul Ejeh Ogwuche.
However, the nominations of Dr Yangien Ornguga and Mr James Dwen were rejected following petitions raised against them, with the Assembly calling on the Governor to forward replacement nominees.
Speaker of the House commended members for their diligence during the screening exercise and encouraged the newly confirmed commissioners to carry out their duties with integrity and full dedication to the people of Benue State.
Governor Alia’s prompt response to the Assembly’s resolutions underscores his resolve to strengthen institutional accountability while ensuring that the machinery of government continues to run without disruption.
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