By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State House of Assembly has suspended four of its members for three months over allegations of conspiracy and attempt to disrupt proceedings in the chamber.
At Friday’s plenary session presided over by the speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, the assembly resolved to suspend Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga (Makurdi North), Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel (Vandeikya II), Hon. Cyril Ikong (Oju II) and Hon. Abu Umoru (Apa) from legislative duties.
The decision followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer, titled “H.M. 17: Motion to Suspend Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga (Makurdi North State Constituency) and Three Others from Legislative Duties for Attempt to Cause Chaos in the House.”
While presenting the motion, Tiseer told the assembly that the affected lawmakers attempted to mobilise members to foment disorder, barely three days after the House unanimously passed a vote of confidence on its leadership and the governor of the state. He described their actions as dishonourable and capable of undermining the unity and peaceful coexistence of members.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Elias Audu (Gwer East) and the Chief Whip, Hon. Peter Bendigo Ipusu (Katsina-Ala West), condemned the conduct of the suspended lawmakers and backed the motion.
Ruling on the matter, the speaker approved a three-month suspension for the affected members.
Meanwhile, the speaker also announced the dissolution of all standing committees of the House. He appointed Hon. Elias Audu as the new spokesman, Hon. Douglas Ackya as Chief Whip, and Hon. Kennedy Angbo as Deputy Minority Leader.
In other business, the assembly screened and confirmed four out of nine commissioner-nominees sent by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Those confirmed include Dr. Ortese Yanmar, Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan, Orpin Manasseh Alumo, and Michael Oglegba.
