The Benue State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to suspend the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, for a period of six months over allegations of misconduct and obstruction of legislative oversight.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu (APC, Katsina-Ala West), during Tuesday’s plenary in Makurdi.
According to Ipusu, Dr. Adagba’s refusal to appear before an ad hoc committee constituted by the House to verify state-wide contracts constitutes a deliberate attempt to undermine the legislature’s constitutional responsibility.
“The House had, during plenary on July 21, resolved to conduct a verification of completed and ongoing projects executed under Governor Alia’s administration,” Ipusu said. “To that effect, a seven-member ad hoc committee was set up and mandated to report back within four weeks.”
He further disclosed that despite multiple invitations, the SUBEB Chairperson failed to appear before the committee, and in one of her correspondences, explicitly questioned the Assembly’s authority to investigate SUBEB contracts.
“This posture clearly undermines our constitutional mandate and obstructs legislative oversight,” Ipusu stressed. “Her continued involvement could present a conflict of interest and compromise the integrity of our investigation.”
Supporting the motion, Hon. Douglas Akya (APC, Makurdi South) expressed concern over the persistent lack of cooperation from SUBEB under Dr. Adagba’s leadership.
Hon. Elias Audu (APC, Gwer East) reminded the House that SUBEB is a statutory body accountable to the Assembly, and not an autonomous entity above scrutiny.
Hon. Thomas Dugeri (APC, Kwande West) accused Dr. Adagba of repeated acts of disrespect towards the legislature and urged his colleagues to remain resolute in their decision.
In his ruling, Speaker of the House, Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in all matters of public interest.
“This House will not be deterred in its constitutional duty to hold public officeholders accountable,” the Speaker declared.
The resolution seeks the chairman’s suspension to enable an unhindered and credible investigation into the affairs of SUBEB, especially as they relate to ongoing and past contracts under the current administration.
