The Benue State House of Assembly has called for the six-month suspension of the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.
The recommendation was made during Friday’s plenary session, which was presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.This resolution followed the submission of a report by the House Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The report alleged that Ogiri diverted public funds into his personal account and unlawfully shut down the local government’s legislative chambers.Lawmakers expressed strong disapproval of the alleged financial irregularities, the reported intimidation of councillors, and the unauthorized closure of the legislative arm.
They urged the immediate swearing-in of the deputy chairman to assume leadership of the council.In addition, the Assembly established a five-member investigative panel led by Bemdoo Ipusu to probe the local government’s affairs and submit findings within a week. Other members include Michael Audu, Cyril Ekong, Solomon Gyila, and Berger Alfred, with Mr. Bem Abunde serving as secretary.
The House also condemned an alleged attack on the Deputy Speaker by supporters of the Ado Local Government Chairman and called on the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene and prevent further unrest.
