The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended thirteen of its members over what it described as dishonourable actions capable of causing discord and tarnishing the integrity of the legislative body.
In addition to the suspension, the lawmakers have been directed to refund funds allocated for a planned foreign trip, as they will no longer be participating.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Terver Zambe, condemned the conduct of the lawmakers, particularly Douglas Akya, who represents Makurdi South Constituency, and 12 others.
The House accused them of voting in favor of the removal of the State Chief Judge, Maurice Ikpambase, but later addressing the media to deny their involvement in the decision.
During the plenary session, Majority Leader Saater Tiseer recalled that the House had previously received a complaint from the Attorney-General outlining allegations of gross misconduct, bribery, corruption, and abuse of office against Chief Judge Ikpambase.
Following deliberations, 23 out of 31 members voted in favor of the Judge’s removal.
However, after the resolutions were adopted, 13 lawmakers who had participated in the process publicly distanced themselves from it, violating Order IX, Rule 58(6) of the House Standing Rules.
Tiseer criticized their actions as deceitful and an attempt to undermine the credibility of the House, urging their suspension for three months.
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The suspended lawmakers include Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East), Beckie Orpin (Gboko East), Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata), Williams Ortyom (Agasha), Onah Blessed (Oju 1), and Elias Audu (Gwer East).
Others affected are Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Manger Manger (Tarka), Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo), Abraham Jabi (Buruku), and Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum).
The House emphasized that this measure is necessary to maintain discipline and ensure legislative processes remain transparent and accountable.