Benue Chairmen defy Gov Alia’s directive on suspension, refuse to vacate office

Chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue State have dared Governor Hyacinth Alia, insisting they will not comply with his directive suspending them from office.

The chairmen gave their stand in a briefing with newsmen at the PDP secretariat in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

The state House of Assembly had recommended that all 23 Council chairmen be suspended to pave way for investigations into their financial activities

Taking a cue from this, the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (BLGCA), on Friday, ordered the council chairmen to hand over to the most senior staff in their various councils.

The order prompted a swift reaction from the Association of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State chapter

The Chairman of the Association who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said they would not surrender to what their describe as an “illegality”, as doing so will mean a disservice to the state.

He said they were duly elected into office along with their councilors on April 30, 2022 for a two year tenure which will constitutional come to an end by April 30, 2024.

The Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia on his part corrected the accusations from council chairmen in the state that he has sacked them from office.

He urges the council chairmen to be patient, as they will be availed the opportunity to defend themselves before the House of Assembly committee, stating that those who will not be found guilty of the charges will be reinstated, insisting that they remain suspended from office, pending the outcome of the investigation.