Benue Assembly Suspends Two Top Lawmakers Over Alleged Misconduct

Benue State House of Assembly has suspended two of its top members, Hon. Saater Tiseer and Rt. Hon. Michael Audu, over what the House described as “gross misconduct.”

The action was taken during Friday’s plenary, where lawmakers said the behaviour of the former Majority and Minority Leaders threatened the stability of the Assembly.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga presided over the session as members debated the motion.

The current Majority Leader, Hon. Thomas Dugeri, told the House that the conduct of both men had “undermined the unity and integrity of the Assembly.”

He said an ad-hoc committee reviewed their actions and concluded that the two lawmakers used their positions for personal advantage.

The committee also stated that their behaviour contradicted the oaths they took as members of the House.

After adopting the committee’s recommendations, the Assembly handed Hon. Saater Tiseer a six-month suspension. Rt. Hon. Michael Audu received a three-month suspension.

The Lawmakers said the sanctions should serve as a warning to others.

Meanwhile, the Assembly also voted to remove Miss Dorcas Faeren Mbatiav from the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Her removal followed a motion by Hon. Shimawua Terna, who told members that Mbatiav was caught leaking confidential records belonging to the Commission.

He noted that her actions violated Section 6(2) of the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission (Establishment) Law, 2018. Lawmakers also pointed out that she did not meet the public service requirement stated under Section 5(2)(c) of the same law.

Members insisted that keeping her in office would damage the credibility of the Commission. They eventually voted unanimously for her dismissal.