House of Assembly suspends LG auditor-general over alleged N4.6bn fraud

Benue State House of Assembly has suspended Abraham Gberidyer, the auditor-general for local government, over allegations of financial misconduct and fraud amounting to about N4.6 billion.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Michael Zape, chief press secretary to Speaker Berger Emberga, disclosed that the suspension was approved during plenary.

According to the statement, Hyacinth Alia notified lawmakers through a letter transmitted by the head of service, detailing serious allegations of financial irregularities against the auditor-general.

Zape explained that the governor stated in the letter that Gberidyer is “currently under investigation over allegations of corruption and cannot continue to hold his office in line with the provision of the country’s constitution as it relates to the removal of a corrupt public officer from office.”

Lawmakers reportedly gave unanimous approval for the suspension after deliberating on the matter, saying the action would enable a thorough investigation into the allegations.

The assembly also passed a bill seeking the creation and adoption of an official Benue State symbol and anthem, alongside other related provisions.

“‎The bill was passed following a report of the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Culture and Tourism, William Ortyom represented by Anyor Mato,” the statement reads.

In addition, lawmakers considered a bill seeking to repeal the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lotteries Board Law of 2017 and replace it with the Benue State Lotteries, Public Online Lotteries, Gaming and Sports Marketing Board Law, 2024. The bill passed second reading during plenary.

Speaker Berger Emberga subsequently referred the proposed legislation to the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Creativity for further review.

Another bill aimed at adjusting the retirement age and improving remuneration for magistrates and legal officers also scaled third reading.

The bill seeks the extension of the retirement age of magistrates and legal officers in the State Ministry of Justice in order to protect the State from loss of experienced manpower in the justice sector.

The Benue State Pension Harmonisation Bill equally passed second reading.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Douglas Akya of Makurdi South constituency, seeks an upward review of pension benefits for retirees.