Benue Assembly Erupts: Two Ex-Leaders Slammed With Suspension Over ‘Gross Misconduct’

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended two of its former principal officers—ex-Majority Leader Hon. Saater Tiseer and former Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Michael Audu—after they were found liable for what lawmakers described as gross misconduct capable of threatening the unity and credibility of the legislative arm.

According to Ireporter Online, the resolution was taken during Friday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga. The matter was brought before the House by the current Majority Leader, Hon. Thomas Dugeri, who argued that the actions of the suspended members had dragged the institution “into disrepute.”

An ad-hoc committee earlier constituted to probe their conduct reportedly established that the former leaders had abused their positions for personal benefit, an offence lawmakers said violated provisions of the House Standing Orders. In line with the committee’s findings, the Assembly approved a six-month suspension for Hon. Saater Tiseer and a three-month suspension for Hon. Michael Audu.

In a separate decision, the House also voted to remove Miss Dorcas Faeren Mbatiav from the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission. Lawmakers alleged that she engaged in acts of gross misconduct, including leaking confidential documents belonging to the Commission, a violation of Section 6(2) of the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission (Establishment) Law, 2018.

The motion for her dismissal, raised by Hon. Shimawua Terna of Kyan Constituency, stated that Mbatiav also lacked the required public service experience mandated under Section 5(2)(c) of the law. Members insisted that retaining her on the Commission would compromise its credibility and disrupt its operations.

The House unanimously resolved to terminate her appointment in order to safeguard the integrity and proper functioning of the Commission.