In a major shake-up, the Benue State House of Assembly announced the removal of its former principal officers and appointed a fresh set of leadership to steer legislative business. The decision follows internal disputes and a push to restore cohesion in the assembly, sources say.
The assembly’s plenary voted on the changes in a session called to address perceived paralysis in lawmaking and oversight activities. Members cited the need for renewed leadership to tackle pressing state issues including security, budget implementation and health-sector challenges. The new leadership slate is expected to prioritise expedited passage of key bills and stringent oversight of state executive programmes.
Political analysts say the shake-up reflects broader realignments within the state’s political class as lawmakers jockey to consolidate influence and respond to constituents’ demands. The outgoing officers left amid accusations from some quarters of unilateral decision-making and friction with rank-and-file members.
Observers in Makurdi believe that a stable assembly leadership is vital to complete the annual appropriation process, ensure accountability in local government transfers and sustain legislative interventions designed to boost social services. The newly appointed officers pledged to pursue an inclusive, consultative approach and to re-establish regular committee activity that had slowed during the leadership crisis.
Civil society groups urged the new leadership to prioritise transparency, public participation and robust legislative scrutiny of executive actions, noting that citizens expect the assembly to be an effective check and balance in state governance.
