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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state, has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia and the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly to immediately lift what it described as “politically motivated” suspensions of elected lawmakers, including former Speaker, Aondona Dajoh.
The PDP warned that the continued exclusion of legislators undermines democratic governance and denies constituents their constitutional right to representation.
The opposition party made this call in a statement signed by the Benue State PDP Secretary, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.
The party said the suspension of duly elected members of the Assembly weakens the legislature and silences the voices of the people who freely elected them.
The party argued that democracy thrives on strong institutions, respect for the separation of powers and adherence to constitutional procedures, stressing that no government committed to democratic ideals should suppress dissenting views or punish lawmakers for political reasons.
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The PDP while also reacting to revelations made by the immediate past Speaker,
Aondona Dajoh, that the Benue State House of Assembly passed 33 bills during his two-year tenure, noted that while the achievement reflects the productivity of the legislature, it is troubling that none of the bills, including annual appropriation bills, allegedly received the assent of Governor Alia.
Describing the development as a serious constitutional and governance concern, the PDP questioned the legal basis upon which the state government has been operating and expending public funds if the budgets passed by the Assembly were never signed into law.
The party further argued that the alleged refusal to assent to the bills represents an affront to democratic governance and an attempt to undermine the legislature as an independent arm of government.
Consequently, the PDP condemned what it termed a disregard for legislative authority and constitutional governance, insisting that the Benue people deserve a government that respects due process and places public interest above political considerations.
The party said “As a responsible opposition party committed to defending democratic values and protecting the interests of the people of Benue State, the PDP shall take appropriate steps to petition the relevant constitutional and oversight authorities to investigate these revelations and determine the legality of actions taken by the state government under the circumstances.”
