August 01, (THEWILL) — The Benue State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.
The House also called for the swearing-in of the Deputy Chairman to assume leadership of the council in an acting capacity.
The resolution followed the submission of a report by the House Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs, which accused Ogiri of diverting public funds into a private account and illegally shutting down the legislative chambers of the council.
Lawmakers condemned the alleged misappropriation of funds, harassment of councillors, and closure of the legislative arm, describing the actions as unacceptable and detrimental to good governance at the grassroots.
To further investigate the matter, the Assembly constituted a five-member panel chaired by Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu. Other members include Hon. Michael Audu, Hon. Cyril Ekong, Hon. Solomon Gyila, and Hon. Berger Alfred, with Mr. Bem Abunde appointed as secretary. The panel is expected to submit its findings within one week.
The plenary, presided over by Speaker Aondona Dajo, also condemned the reported harassment of the Deputy Speaker by alleged supporters of the Ado Local Government Chairman.
The Assembly urged the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services to take immediate steps to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
