June 21, (THEWILL) – Elected Council Chairmen and Councillors under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State are to be suspended from office following a recommendation by the Benue State House of Assembly.
The House took the decision during Wednesday’s plenary session, alleging mismanagement of public funds and abdication of their trust, while Councillors connived with them.
The House Committee Chairman and member representing Katsina-Ala West, Honorable Peter Ipusu, presented the ad-hoc committee report that investigated the income and expenditures of the Councils from February to April 2023.
The House also directed Chairmen to hand over all Government properties under their care to the Director, General Services and Administration (DGSA) with immediate effect, pending the completion of the investigation.
It further requested the Governor to set up Caretaker Committees without delay in line with the Benue State Local Government law and charged the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, to ensure a smooth transition at the various Local Government headquarters.
The lawmakers extended the period of investigation to cover from June 2015 to June 2023.
Presenting the report, Hon. Ipusu informed members that section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, empowers the State Assembly to legislate and oversee Local Government Councils.
According to him, the House was worried as findings showed outright disregard for procedure and crass mismanagement of funds over the period under review; pointed out payment to individual’s accounts and double payment to accounts of Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The House, therefore, directed the affected 23 Local Government Council Chairmen to prepare to appear before the House ad-hoc committee any time their attention is needed to clarify issues of concern.
