Benue Assembly recalls final batch of suspended lawmakers

The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday lifted the suspension of the remaining seven lawmakers who had been sidelined since February 2025, officially ending a protracted disciplinary saga that had attracted widespread public interest.

The reinstated lawmakers are Hon. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Hon. Mrs. Becky Orpin (Gboko East), Hon. Manger Manger (Tarka), Hon. Ezrah Nyiyongu (Ukum), Hon. Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina Ala East), and Hon. Samuel Agada.

Their recall comes a month after six other suspended colleagues were also reinstated. According to the Assembly, the decision was made following expressions of remorse by the affected members and their commitment to uphold decorum and legislative ethics going forward.

At Tuesday’s plenary, the Majority Leader, Comrade Saater Tiseer, presented the formal letter requesting their recall. The motion received overwhelming support from fellow lawmakers, including Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu and Hon. Elias Audu, who emphasized the importance of reconciliation and acknowledged the lawmakers’ willingness to turn a new leaf.

Several members of the House commended the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, and the Assembly leadership for what they described as a fair and magnanimous resolution of the issue.