By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
The Benue State governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has denied alleged involvement in any attempt to remove the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh.
The Governor in a statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, Friday in Makurdi, described such speculations as baseless and unfounded.
Governor Alia in the statement emphasized that he is not aware of such insinuations and has no involvement whatsoever in any purported attempt to remove the Speaker or in any activities currently taking place in the Benue State House of Assembly.
He reaffirmed his respect for rule of law and the principle of separation of powers among the three arms of government.
The governor also reassured members of the public of his willingness to consistently respond to communications and resolutions transmitted to him by the House, which he described as clear demonstration of his commitment to a productive working relationship with the legislature.
The Governor who said he has enjoyed a cordial and productive working relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly, promised to remain committed to supporting the lawmakers in the discharge of their legislative duties for the overall development of the state.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also suspended four of its members for three months from legislative duties for conspiracy and attempting to cause chaos in the House.
The affected members are Hon. Alfred Emberga (Makurdi North), Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel (Vandeikya 2), Hon. Cyril Ikong (Oju 2), and Hon. Abu Umoru (Apa) constituencies.
The motion seeking to suspend the members brought before the Assembly during plenary following a motion moved by Hon. Saater Tiseer, the Majority Leader, titled Motion to suspend Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga and three others seek to stop them from participating in further legislative duties for attempting to cause chaos in the house.
The motion was supported by several members, including Hon. Elias Audu (Gwer East) and Hon. Peter Ipusu (Katsina-Ala West).
According to the motion, the affected members allegedly mobilized other members to cause chaos in the House barely three days after the House passed a vote-of-confidence on the leadership of the House and the Governor of the State.
Ruling, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, explained that the suspension would last for three months.
The Speaker in addition to the suspension, dissolved the House standing committee and made some appointments, including Elias Audu as the spokesman for the Benue State House of Assembly, Dougulas Ackya as the Chief Whip, and Kennedy Angbo as Deputy Minority leader.
The House during the session also screened and confirmed four commissioners out of nine nominees including Dr. Ortese Yanmar, Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan, Orpin Manasseh Alumo, and Michael Oglegbe who were members of the state executive council that was recently dissolved.