These inadequacies, coupled with the chairman’s actions, have generated tension across the state
The Benue State House of Assembly has recommended the removal of John Chen, Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC, from office.
The Assembly made the decision public during a plenary session presided over by Speaker, Aondona Dajoh.
He said the recommendation stems from a report by the House Standing Committee on Rules and Business, which highlighted several challenges plaguing BSIEC.
Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, who is also the chairman House Standing Committee on Rules and Business in a lead debate said other challenges include shortage of staff, lack of operational vehicles, poor road access to the commission’s headquarters, and an underdeveloped ICT unit.
The majority leader and other members of the committee expressed concerns that these inadequacies, coupled with the chairman’s actions, have generated tension across the state
In his contribution, Alfred Emberga, member representing Makurdi North supported the removal, citing the need for stability in the electoral process.
However, Thomas Dugeri, representing Kwande West called for caution, advocating for a second chance for the chairman to enable him address the identified issues and ensure the stability of BSIEC.
The House also called on the state government to address the commission’s challenges by providing additional staff, vehicles, and improved infrastructure, adding that the move would strengthen BSIEC’s capacity to conduct credible elections and maintain electoral integrity in Benue State.