JUST IN: Benue Assembly suspends deputy chief whip, three other lawmakers

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended its Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Alfred Berger, along with three other lawmakers, for allegedly attempting to cause disorder within the chamber.

The suspended members include Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel (Vandeikya 2 Constituency), Hon. Cyril Ikong (Oju 2 Constituency), and Hon. Abu Umoru (Apa Constituency).

Berger, who also chairs the House Committee on Information, and the others will serve a three-month suspension.

According to a statement by the media adviser to the speaker, Terver Mzamber, the decision followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer, titled “Motion to Suspend Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga and three others from legislative duties for attempting to cause chaos in the House.”

Tiseer explained that the lawmakers were accused of mobilising members to impeach the Speaker just three days after the Assembly passed a vote of confidence in its leadership and the state governor.

Other members, including Hon. Elias Audu (Gwer East Constituency) and Majority Chief Whip, Hon. Peter Bendigo Ipusu (Katsina-Ala West Constituency), condemned the actions and supported the suspension.

The speaker of the House upheld the motion, handing down three-month suspensions to the affected lawmakers.

During the sitting, the Assembly also screened and confirmed four out of nine commissioner nominees.

Those confirmed were Dr. Ortese Yanmar, Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan, Orpin Manasseh Alumo, and Michael Oglegbe.