May 28, (THEWILL) – Governor Samuel Ortom has signed into law a bill to make provision for the maintenance of former Governors of Benue State and their deputies and other matters connected thereto, even as criticisms trailed its conception and passage.
Also signed into law on Saturday, was a law to establish Benue State Widows Commission and to prohibit harmful cultural practices against windows, protect them from exploitative acts and punish offenders and related purposes.
Performing the ceremony, Governor Ortom said the legislative instruments are critical to policies and the progress of the Government towards strengthening the instrumental framework of governance.
The Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Titus Uba, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Cristopher Adaji, expressed optimism that laws passed by the 9th Benue Assembly will ease governance and enhance development in the state.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nathaniel Ikyur, said the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Michael Gusah, had presented the two bills to the Governor for assent.
It would be recalled that the Minority Leader and member representing Tarka State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ben Bem Mngutyo, while supporting the motion, said there was nothing wrong in passing a law to maintain past governors as it was also done for past presidents of the country.
He, however, expressed concern over the paucity of funds of the state at the moment.
Some civil servants and pensioners have decried the passage of such a law under the Samuel Ortom administration that was unable to pay pensioners their entitlements as at when due.
A college teacher, who pleaded anonymity, expressed hope that the incoming administration of Revd Fr. Hyacinth Alia, will repeal the bill on assumption of office.
