THE BENUE State House of Assembly has lifted the suspension earlier placed on the former Minority Leader, Hon. Michael Audu (APC/Adoka–Ugboju).
Hon. Audu was suspended on November 11 for three months over what the house described as gross misconduct.
During plenary on Tuesday, several lawmakers took turns to speak in favour of Audu’s reinstatement following the apology letter he wrote showing remorse and regrets over his conduct.
They noted that he had shown remorse and deserved a second chance.
Rising to support the motion, Hon. Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) said that Audu had begged for forgiveness and demonstrated genuine remorse, adding that he had sinned and was sanctioned.
Ipusu said that Audu had reflected and discovered that he erred and urged the house to forgive him and lift the suspension.
Also lending his voice, Hon. Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa) stated that there was no further need to prolong the sanction, stressing that his suspension should be lifted.
In the same vein, Hon. Simon Gabo (APC/Mata) appealed to his colleagues to embrace forgiveness, saying that to err was human, but to forgive was divine.
Gabo further suggested that Hon. Saater Tiseer, another suspended member, should also be recalled once he submits a formal letter of apology.
Also contributing, Hon. Terna Shimawua said that there was no reason to keep Audu away from legislative duties any longer, insisting that he should be recalled.
After listening to the submissions, the Speaker, Hon. Alfred Emberga, declared that Audu’s sins had been forgiven and ordered that his suspension be lifted with immediate effect.
Emberga stressed that Audu was expected to resume full legislative duties without delay. (NAN)
