- Confirms 6 Nominees
By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed six commissioner-nominees recently forwarded by Governor Hyacinth Alia, but rejected two others after petitions were raised against them.
Those rejected include Dr. Timothy Yangien Ornguga, an Associate Professor of Law at the Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), (formerly Benue State University) and Mr. James Dwen.
The Assembly urged Governor Alia to forward alternative nominees as replacements.
National Record had reported how Dr. Ornguga’s nomination sparked outrage among a broad section of the public, particularly from his former and current students, who alleged psychological abuse, vindictive grading, and what they described as ‘sadistic’ inclinations.
Despite appearing before the House, Ornguga was unable to provide satisfactory responses to the petitions. National Record gathered that there were at least about six petitions written from individuals and groups against Dr Ornguga. The Assembly however confirmed four.
Meanwhile, Dwem had two petitions against him which bordered on embezzlement and appropriation of local government funds while serving as the Chairman of Makurdi LGA.
The nominees confirmed by the Assembly include; Hon. Theresa Odachi Ikwue; Hon. Dr. Benjamin Ashaver; Hon. Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa; Hon. Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo; Hon. Denis Iyaighgba, and Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, commended members for what he described as diligent screening, urging the confirmed commissioners to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving the people of Benue with dedication.
The rejection of the two nominees is the first time the current Assembly has openly declined Governor Alia’s nominations, demonstrating the growing influence of public petitions in the legislative vetting process.
