Benue assembly recalls seven lawmakers suspended for opposing chief judge’s removal

The Benue house of assembly has recalled seven members who were suspended in February for opposing the removal of Maurice Ikpambese as the state’s chief judge.

The affected lawmakers are Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South), Becky Orpin (APC/Gboko East), Manger Manger (APC/Tarka), and Ezrah Nyiyongu (PDP/Ukum).

Others are Jonathan Agbidye (APC/Katsina Ala East), Samuel Agada (APC/Ogbadibo), and Abraham Jabi (APC/Buruku).

In February, 13 lawmakers of the Benue assembly were suspended after they distanced themselves from the removal of Ikpambese as the chief judge.

The Benue assembly had suspended Ikpambese following a letter from Hyacinth Alia, governor of the state and also imposed a three-month suspension on the 13 lawmakers.

However, six of the 13 suspended lawmakers were recalled at the time.

During the plenary on Tuesday, Saater Tiseer, the majority leader, read the joint letter written by the suspended lawmakers.

Tiseer said the lawmakers had met the house’s conditions by submitting a written apology, noting that they have shown remorse and promised to conduct themselves properly going forward.

Two lawmakers—Peter Ipusu and Elias Audu—supported the motion for the recall of the suspended lawmakers.

Ruling on the matter, Hyacinth Dajoh, the speaker of the house, said the seven lawmakers had fulfilled all conditions and would rejoin proceedings in the next sitting.