Benue Assembly probes state contracts, suspends all contractor payments

The Benue State House of Assembly has initiated a thorough investigation into all ongoing state contracts, citing concerns over transparency, bid advertisement procedures, contractor competence, and the accuracy of project designs and cost estimates.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh announced the formation of a seven-member ad hoc committee chaired by Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu to conduct a comprehensive contract audit across the state. 

As part of the resolution, the Assembly also directed the Commissioner for Finance, Michael Ogleba, to suspend all payments to contractors pending the outcome of the probe.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Alfred Emberga Berger (Makurdi North), who raised alarm over irregularities and the sluggish pace of several state projects. 

He warned that continued legislative silence could fuel public distrust and damage the credibility of the current administration.

The committee’s mandate includes verifying whether contracts were duly advertised, evaluating contractor capacity, and reviewing project designs, specifications, and contract sums. The committee is expected to submit its report within one month.

In a related move, the Assembly summoned the Commissioner for Finance, Michael Ogleba, and the Head of Service, Agbogbo Ode, to appear before the House on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. 

Ogleba is to provide a detailed breakdown of the state’s wage bill, while Ode is expected to present the total number of staff on the state payroll, categorized by ministries and agencies.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Sports Lottery and Marketing Board, Mr. Michael Uper, has been suspended for six months over allegations of revenue diversion. 

The Assembly directed an investigation into his activities and ordered that any misappropriated funds be refunded to the state treasury. He may face removal if found guilty.

Lawmakers also condemned the recent killing of Mr. Ternenge Iorkyaa Ikpanor and other Mbaduku natives in the renewed Mbaduku-Obudu communal conflict.

 The House urged Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to engage with the Cross River State Government to find a lasting resolution to the crisis.

Additionally, the Chairman of the Benue State Local Government Civil Service Commission has been summoned to address alleged irregularities in recent staff promotions.