The Benue State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, for six months following serious allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.
The decision was reached during Friday's plenary session presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, after the Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs submitted its report on the matter.
According to the committee's findings, Ogiri allegedly diverted government funds to his personal account and illegally shut down the local government legislative chambers, preventing elected councilors from performing their constitutional duties.
The Assembly condemned these actions and recommended that the deputy chairman be immediately sworn in to lead the council during the suspension period.
To further investigate the situation, the House established a five-member panel chaired by Bemdoo Ipusu. Other members include Michael Audu, Cyril Ekong, Solomon Gyila, and Berger Alfred, with Mr. Bem Abunde serving as secretary. The panel has been given one week to complete its investigation and submit a comprehensive report on the activities of the local government.
In a related development, the Assembly also expressed concern over the alleged harassment of the Deputy Speaker by supporters of the Ado Local Government Chairman. Lawmakers called on the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene promptly to prevent any potential escalation of the situation.
This suspension comes amid growing concerns about governance and financial accountability in local government administration across Benue State, with the Assembly recently embarking on state-wide contract verification exercises.
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