From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Local government chairmen in Benue State are still poised for battle with the State Government as they have adamantly refused to hand over affairs in their domains to anyone.
Recalled that last weekend, the chairmen led by the State ALGON Chairman Michael Uba stated succinctly and uneqivocally during a press conference that they will not honor any suspension pronounced on them by Governor Hyacinth Alia or the Hyacinth Dajo led House of Assembly.
The chairmen described the action as illegal and ultra vire to the Industrial Court injunction restraining government from sacking or taking any action against them.
It should noted that hitherto, Governor Alia had met with the 23 council chairmen at Government House Makurdi where he promised not to sack any of them but pledged to work with them to develop the rural areas.
However, in a swift twist of event, the Governor through his Chief of Staff Paul Biam initiated a memo to the House of Assembly urging the chairmen to present their Account book for three (3) months. But while they were at that, the Assembly quickly constituted a three (3)man committee headed by Peter Ipusu that sat for one day (20th June, 2023) and on 21st June2023 completed its assignment directing the chairmen to proceed on suspension forthwith.
They also, directed them to hand over all official documents including their vehicles to the DGSAs.
When contacted on phone on Monday 26th June, 2023 on whether he has vacated his office, the State ALGON Chairman who is also the chairman Guma local government area said, “we are taking legal means to solve our problem. Instead of violent ways, we have decided to ressort to legal process. I have not handed over to the DGSA and the security in the area is calm. No trouble going on. The DGSA ideally is the next person to me. If am not around he takes care of the council. I did not hand over the vehicle because they have given us waiver, there is no need”.
Police Public Relations’ Officer SP Catherine Anene said she is unaware if orderlies of the chairmen have been wirhdrawn from them.
