Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
The Benue State House of Assembly took a significant step toward combating corruption on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, by holding a public hearing on a landmark bill aimed at encouraging public complaints, prescribing punishment for corrupt practices, and establishing the Benue Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission in Makurdi, the state capital.
At the Assembly complex, Deputy Speaker Hon. Mrs. Lami Dandaladi Lawrence Ogenyi, representing Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, declared the occasion open, emphasizing that the public hearing was a demonstration of collaboration and harmonious working relationships aimed at processing and passing landmark legislations for the Benue people. She highlighted that “Corruption is a cog in the wheel of progress. It weakens governance and denies the common man the benefits of development. Strives on illegality and a weak legal system, culminating in a culture of impunity among the people.”
The Speaker further noted that the APC-led administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacint Alia, is determined to fight corruption head-on, with this bill serving as a bold step to strengthen accountability, promote justice, and restore public confidence in governance. The public hearing has created an opportunity for all stakeholders and members of the public to contribute their inputs, ensuring that laws are stronger when shaped by the people they are meant to serve.
Earlier in his welcome address, Majority Leader of the House Hon. (Pharm) Sir Thomas Dugeri stated that the bill seeks to encourage public complaints, prescribe punishment for corrupt practices, and establish the Benue Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission. He added that the proposed commission will provide an independent platform for Benue citizens to report injustice and corrupt practices, ensuring offenders face appropriate sanctions and insulating the public against impunity.
If passed, the law will not only regulate private and public lives but also place Benue State on the global map as one of the states taking a bold step in the war against corruption. This initiative aligns with the global war against corruption championed by advanced democracies worldwide, as noted by the Majority Leader.
The public hearing marks a pivotal moment in Benue’s legislative history, reflecting a collective resolve to uproot corruption and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
