February 19, (THEWILL) – The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended 13 of its members for three months over alleged misconduct deemed capable of tarnishing the integrity of the legislative body.
THEWILL reports that the suspended lawmakers have also been directed to refund funds allocated for an upcoming foreign trip, as they will no longer be eligible to participate.
The House specifically condemned the actions of Douglas Akya, who represents Makurdi South Constituency, alongside 12 others.
The lawmakers were accused of publicly denying their participation in the recent vote that led to the removal of the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, despite records showing otherwise.
Speaker of the House, Hyacinth Dajoh, who presided over the session, named the suspended members as Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East), Beckie Orpin (Gboko East), Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata), Williams Ortyom (Agasha), Onah Blessed (Oju 1), Elias Audu (Gwer East), Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Manger Manger (Tarka), Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo), Abraham Jabi (Buruku), and Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum).
The suspension followed a motion by Majority Leader Comrade Saater Tiseer, who recalled that in a previous sitting, the House had deliberated on a petition from the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Bemsen Mnyim.
The petition alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, and corruption against Justice Ikpambese.
Following extensive discussions, the House conducted a division in which 23 out of 31 members present voted in favor of the Chief Judge’s removal.
However, some of the lawmakers who supported the motion later publicly disassociated themselves from the decision, a move that violated Order IX, Rule 58(6) of the House Standing Rules.
Tiseer described their actions as deceptive and dishonorable, stressing that their conduct could incite discord and undermine the credibility of the House.
Efforts to get reactions from the suspended lawmakers proved futile, as they neither answered calls nor responded to text messages.
THEWILL recalls that some of the affected lawmakers had previously faced suspension over misconduct during House sessions.
