The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended five of its members for allegedly tampering with a report on the activities of the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri.
The lawmakers Hon. Terna Shimawua, Hon. Mathew Damkor, Hon. Cephas Dyako, Hon. Moses Egbodo, and Hon. Isaac Echekliye were suspended for three legislative sittings.
Peak Newspaper Nigeria gathered that all five are members of the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the House, the affected members altered the original findings of their investigation into allegations of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office by the Otukpo LG Chairman.
The committee, led by Hon. Shimawua, was earlier mandated by the Assembly to probe complaints against Hon. Ogiri. However, during the presentation of their report, the committee reportedly deviated from the actual findings, drawing the ire of the lawmakers.
In response, the Assembly rejected the report and constituted a five-member ad-hoc committee, chaired by Hon. Ipusu, to carry out a fresh investigation and reveal the truth.
The Assembly further accused the committee of attempting to shield Hon. Ogiri from accountability, including concealing details about the alleged illegal closure of the Otukpo Legislative Chamber.
The suspension, announced during Tuesday’s plenary, was part of the House’s resolution to maintain integrity and transparency in legislative oversight.
Terver Zamber, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, confirmed the development in a statement issued shortly after the sitting.
