Benue assembly suspends four lawmakers over ‘plot to impeach speaker’

The Benue state house of assembly has suspended four members for allegedly plotting to impeach Aondona Dajoh, the speaker.

Channels Television reports that the suspended lawmakers are Alfred Berger, representing Makurdi north; Terna Shimawua of Kian; Cyril Ekong of Obi; and James Umoru representing Apa constituency.

The house resolved to suspend the lawmakers for six months during plenary on Friday.

Saater Tiseer, majority leader of the house, moved a motion of urgent importance calling for disciplinary action.

Tiseer accused the lawmakers of attempting to unsettle the assembly with what he described as a needless crisis.

Dajoh thereafter directed the sergeant-at-arms to lead the affected members out of the chamber.

The speaker also announced the appointment of Audu Elias as the new spokesperson of the assembly.

Berger, who is among the suspended lawmakers, previously held the position of spokesperson.

On Wednesday, Berger denied reports that the assembly passed a bill against love and romance in the state.

He said no such bill was before the assembly, adding that lawmakers had not even contemplated one.