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The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended two of its former leaders—Mr. Saater Tiseer (APC, Mbagwa), former Majority Leader, and Mr. Michael Audu (PDP, Adoka-Ugboju), former Minority Leader—over allegations of gross misconduct.
During plenary in Makurdi on Tuesday, the current Majority Leader, Mr. Thomas Dugeri (APC, Kwande West), moved a motion recommending disciplinary action after an ad hoc committee found the duo guilty of using their offices for personal gain, in violation of their oaths of office.
Tiseer was handed a six-month suspension, while Audu received a three-month suspension.
Dugeri emphasized that the Assembly must uphold integrity and discipline to preserve its reputation. The motion was seconded by Dr. Elias Audu (APC, Gwer East), who noted that legislative stability is key to the state’s peace and progress.
Speaker Alfred Emberga, in his ruling, said the action would serve as a deterrent to others, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to ethical leadership and accountability.
The suspensions mark a significant purge within the leadership ranks, coming just days after reports surfaced detailing the political tensions that led to Tiseer’s removal. While the official reason cites misconduct, many see the move as the culmination of a power struggle between the executive and legislative arms, with Tiseer’s vocal stance on local government autonomy and resistance to executive influence playing a central role.
Audu, as Minority Leader from the opposition PDP, had also been under scrutiny for alleged financial impropriety linked to constituency projects. The ad hoc committee’s findings, though not made public in detail, were described as “damning” by sources within the Assembly.
With both former leaders now sidelined, the House appears poised to consolidate under Speaker Emberga and the current leadership. But questions linger: Will these suspensions restore public trust in the Assembly, or deepen perceptions of political vendetta?
As Benue continues to grapple with governance challenges, the lawmakers’ actions send a clear message—no one is above accountability, regardless of position or party affiliation. Whether this marks a new era of legislative discipline or merely a chapter in ongoing political drama remains to be seen.
