Benue Assembly Okays Alia’s Request To Appoint 10 More Advisers

The Benue State House of Assembly has approved Governor Hyacinth Alia’s request to appoint 10 additional Special Advisers to strengthen his administration.

The approval was granted on Thursday during plenary, following the governor’s letter seeking the lawmakers’ consent.

Lawmakers explained that the decision would help the government consolidate its development agenda and improve service delivery across the state.

They noted that the expansion of the advisory team was necessary to provide the governor with expert counsel in tackling pressing issues in governance.

Days after Governor Alia announced a fresh round of key appointments to strategic offices and statutory boards, the new approval has given him the green light to further broaden his team.

Naija News reports that the governor is expected to unveil the names of the new Special Advisers in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Governor Alia has lifted the suspension earlier placed on three public office holders in the state, following the reversal of their suspension by the State House of Assembly.

The officials are Maxwell Ogiri, Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area; Grace Adagba, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); and Michael Uper, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission.

Naija News recalls that Governor Alia had initially upheld the Assembly’s resolution to suspend the officials, but fresh leadership changes in the House prompted lawmakers to rescind the decision and urge their reinstatement.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said he has taken note of the Assembly’s latest resolution.

“In compliance with the resolutions of the House, His Excellency hereby directs the immediate reinstatement of the affected officials,” the statement read.

The governor reiterated his administration’s respect for the constitutional roles of the legislature, stressing the need for synergy among the arms of government.

“He reaffirms his respect for the constitutional roles of the legislature and reiterates his administration’s resolve to continue working harmoniously with all arms of government in the collective pursuit of peace, progress, and good governance in Benue State,” the statement added.

Governor Alia charged the reinstated officials to recommit themselves to their duties and uphold transparency in service.