By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State House of Assembly has ordered the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, to temporarily step aside from her duties while investigations into alleged irregularities in the ongoing recruitment of primary school teachers in the state are concluded.
Dr Adagba has therefore been directed to hand over to the Permanent Commissioner 1 of the Board.
This decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
The House also established a seven-member ad hoc committee, chaired by Hon. Cephas Dyako to investigate the board’s activities and report back within seven days.
Hon. Bemdoo Peter Ipusu, representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency, initiated the motion. He informed the House that despite prior resolutions directing SUBEB to halt the recruitment process for primary school teachers pending investigations, Adagba issued a statement allocating new cut-off marks for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and shortlisted additional candidates for screening.
According to Ipusu, the chairman’s actions disregarded the Assembly’s resolutions and disrespected its authority.
He further accused Adagba of alleging that the Assembly members had requested 1,000 recruitment slots and were targeting her for refusing to comply.
Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North state constituency, criticised Adagba’s conduct, stating she lacked the integrity to oversee the recruitment process and should step aside immediately.
Following a heated debate, the Assembly voted, with 21 members supporting her temporary removal and five dissenting.
The Assembly also directed the governing council of Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev, to halt the appointments of the Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian until legal requirements are met. The council, rector, and management have been summoned to appear before the House on December 27, 2024.
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This resolution followed a motion by Hon. Manger Manger, representing Tarka state constituency, who raised concerns about the legality of the appointments, warning that allowing such practices could set a dangerous precedent.
The House summoned Dr. Dennis Akura, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to explain the alleged diversion of ₦1.783 billion meant for local government security purposes.
The funds’ mismanagement reportedly compromised the state’s security architecture. Dr. Akura, along with Directors of General Services and Administration (DGSAs), treasurers, and security officers of various LGAs, are to appear before the Assembly on December 27, 2024.
The Assembly urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to appoint substantive heads for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
