THE BENUE State House of Assembly has passed for a second reading a bill seeking to amend the Benue State Budget and Planning Commission Law, aiming to enhance the agency’s efficiency and align its operations with contemporary development needs.
Presenting the bill during Thursday’s plenary in Makurdi, the Majority Leader, Mr. Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), explained that the proposed legislation seeks to revise the existing law, which was enacted in 2001 and last amended in 2005.
He noted that the amendment would restructure the composition and operational focus of the commission to enable optimal performance.
Dugeri highlighted the commission’s pivotal role in the state’s development framework, which includes formulating and coordinating development plans, advising the governor on policy matters, conducting economic research, and overseeing public-private partnership initiatives.
“Given these enormous responsibilities, the proposed amendment is imperative to equip the commission to serve the state more effectively,” Dugeri said.
The bill was seconded by Mr. Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa) and subsequently read for the second time by the Clerk, Dr. Bem Mela, at the direction of the Speaker, Mr. Alfred Emberga. It has now been referred to the House Committee on Appropriation for further legislative input ahead of a third reading.
Lawmakers Insist on Proper Protocol at Events
In a separate matter, the Assembly called for strict enforcement of the state’s Order of Precedence Law following concerns over persistent breaches of protocol at public functions.
A motion sponsored by Mr. Simon Gabo (APC/Mata) drew attention to the provisions of the Benue State Nigeria Law Gazette No. 11, Volume 14 of March 17, 2016.
Gabo noted that according to the law, the order of precedence begins with the Governor, followed by the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Chief Judge, the Deputy Speaker, Assembly members, Executive Council members, and the Secretary to the State Government.
Gabo expressed concern that protocol officers either lack knowledge of the law or deliberately flout it by according precedence to commissioners over elected lawmakers at official events.
“This misinformation has emboldened some executive members to display disrespect toward lawmakers, despite the Assembly’s constitutional oversight role over ministries and agencies,” he said.
Seconding the motion, Mr. Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpa-Akpa) called for punitive measures to ensure compliance. Other lawmakers, including Mr. Michael Audu (APC/Adoko-Ugboju) and Mr. Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala West), criticized the Government House Protocol Unit and urged that officials be properly educated on the law.
In his ruling, Speaker Alfred Emberga directed the Clerk to issue formal letters to all government officials, local government chairmen, and the State Director of Protocol, mandating full compliance with the Order of Precedence Law. He warned that any official found violating the law would be held liable.
