From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A former member of the House of Representative in Benue State, Goddy Ikerave, has said that the State’s House of Assembly members have powers to summon the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, if they need explanations or clarifications on any areas concerning their affairs.
Ikerave, who represented Gwer West/Gwer East Federal Constituency between 1999 and 2003 stated this while reacting to the report of non-payment of N30 million constituency allowance and alleged denial of members of Benue State Assembly who are supporters of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, of their official vehicles.
The Technical Adviser to Gov Hyacinth Alia on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev and House Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, had explained that the delay in procuring enough vehicles for all members and release of constituency allowance were caused by autonomy granted the House after 2024 budget was passed.
Iorpev stated that Governor Alia had reached an agreement with the lawmakers.
Tiseer said the Assembly got its autonomy after the 2024 budget had been passed and submitted that the 2025 budget would take care of all the grey areas.
He, however, clarified that no member has received N30 million as constituency project. “What each member received varies. Some received N15 million, while others received N10 million. We are engaging the governor to do all these things, the shortfall is as a result of autonomy that the House got after the 2024 budget was passed.
“On vehicles, we are 32 members and the vehicles brought were not up to that. Seven members are yet to get their official vehicles, including the speaker.”
On the power vested on lawmakers, Ikerave said the Assembly could summon the governor to explain why some lawmakers have been denied their constitutional entitlements.
The former lawmaker expressed worries that some members of the legislative arm would be denied what is due to them and the leadership and other members would keep mute. He urged them to rise up to their responsibilities to the state and to themselves.