Benue Assembly directs SUBEB Chair to step aside amid recruitment controversy
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly has directed Dr. Grace Adagba, the Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), to step aside from her official duties and hand over to the Board’s Permanent Commissioner One, pending the conclusion of investigations into the ongoing recruitment of primary school teachers in the state.
The House also established a seven-member ad-hoc committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Caphas Dyako, to investigate the activities of the board and report back to the House within seven days.
This directive was issued on Thursday, 19th December 2024, during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu, the member representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency, informed the House that after the resolution directing the SUBEB Chairman to suspend the recruitment process, she proceeded to release a statement indicating new cut-off marks for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by the board. This was followed by the shortlisting of additional names for physical screening.
Hon. Ipusu expressed concern that the SUBEB Chairman’s actions were not only reactionary but also disrespectful to the members of the Benue State House of Assembly and its resolutions.
Hon. Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North State Constituency, condemned the SUBEB Chairman’s attitude, stating that she lacked the integrity required to supervise the ongoing recruitment process and should step aside immediately.
The House also directed the governing council of Akperan Orshi Polytechnic Yandev to halt the appointments of the Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian of the institution until the provisions of the law are met. The Chairman, Council members, Rector, and Management of the polytechnic have been summoned to appear before the House on 27th December 2024.
This decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Manger Manger, representing Tarka State Constituency, who raised concerns that the appointments were made in violation of legal requirements. Hon. Manger emphasised that allowing these appointments to stand would set a dangerous precedent.
The House has also summoned Dr. Dennis Akura, the immediate past Special Adviser to the Governor on the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to appear before it on 27th December 2024. He has been called to explain why he allegedly diverted N1.783 billion, funds meant for local government areas for security purposes, thereby compromising the security architecture of the state.
In addition, all Directors of General Services (DGSAs), Treasurers, and Security Officers of various local governments have been summoned to appear on the same date to help establish the veracity of the report.
The House further called on Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to appoint substantive heads for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and parastatals in order to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
During the plenary, five bills passed their second reading, including The Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh Bill, The Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu University Bill, The Benue State Financing and Appropriation Bill, The Benue State Internally Displaced Pupils and Students Education Board Bill, and the Burial Rites Bill.
Three of these bills were executive bills, which were read by the Majority Leader, while Rt. Hon. Williams Ortyom and Hon. Elias Audu read the remaining bills.
Additionally, the Persons with Disability Bill also passed its first reading during the plenary.
