The Benue State House of Assembly has proposed that Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, be suspended for six months following accusations of financial misconduct and misuse of his position.
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This decision was made during the plenary session on Friday, which was led by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
The resolution came after the Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs presented a report claiming that Ogiri had diverted government funds into his personal account and unlawfully closed the local government legislative chambers.
Lawmakers expressed their disapproval of the alleged misappropriation of funds, the harassment of councilors, and the closure of the legislative chamber, suggesting that the deputy chairman should be sworn in immediately to take charge of the council.
Additionally, the House established a five-member panel, headed by Bemdoo Ipusu, to investigate the local government’s activities and provide a report within a week.
The panel also includes Michael Audu, Cyril Ekong, Solomon Gyila, and Berger Alfred, with Mr. Bem Abunde serving as the secretary.
Furthermore, the Assembly denounced the harassment faced by the Deputy Speaker from alleged supporters of the Ado Local Government Chairman, urging the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to step in to prevent further escalation.