By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

The Benue State House of Assembly has ordered the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, to step aside from her duties, transferring responsibility to Permanent Commissioner 1 in the Board pending the conclusion of investigations into controversies surrounding the recruitment of primary school teachers in the state.

A seven-member ad-hoc committee, led by Caphas Dyako, has been constituted to investigate the activities of the Board and is expected to report its findings to the Assembly within seven days.

This directive was issued during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.

The motion, presented by Bemdoo Ipusu, member representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency, highlighted concerns over the recruitment process.

Ipusu informed the Assembly that despite a prior directive to suspend the recruitment exercise for further investigation, the SUBEB Chairman released a statement announcing new cut-off marks for the computer-based test and shortlisted additional candidates for physical screening.

Ipusu criticised the statement as being both reactionary and disparaging to the Assembly and its resolutions.

Echoing this sentiment, Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North State Constituency, condemned Adagba’s actions, stating that she lacked the integrity to oversee the recruitment process and should step aside immediately.

The House also directed the Governing Council of Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev, to halt the appointment of the Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian until the relevant legal provisions are fulfilled.

Additionally, the Chairman, Council members, Rector, and management of the Polytechnic have been summoned to appear before the Assembly on December 27, 2024.

This decision followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Manger Manger, representing Tarka State Constituency.

Manger argued that the appointments were unlawful and, if allowed to stand, would set a damaging precedent.

In a related development, the House summoned Dr. Dennis Akura, the immediate past Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to explain the alleged diversion of ₦1.783 billion earmarked for local government security purposes.

The diversion reportedly compromised the state’s security architecture. Akura is to appear before the Assembly on December 27 alongside Directors-General for Services and Administration, Treasurers, and Security Officers of various local governments.

The Assembly further urged the state’s executive governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to appoint substantive heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Meanwhile, five bills progressed to their second reading during the plenary.

These include bills on the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology in Ihugh, Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu University, 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, introduced by the majority leader, are executive bills, while Williams Ortyom and Elias Audu presented the others.