By Peter Duru
MAKURDI— Worried by the abandonment of the Benue state House of Assembly following the intermittent detention of the principal officers of the Assembly by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N750 million car purchase scam, Concerned Benue Youth for Good Governance, CBYGG, has called for the resignation of the House leadership.
EFCC operatives
The group also advocated the recall of any member fingered in the alleged scam so as to serve as deterrent to any lawmaker with intent to defraud the state government.
In a statement in Makurdi by the Secretary of the group, Casmir Ode, the CBYGG, lamented that activities at the Assembly had been stalled as a result of the constant visit of the leadership of the House and other affected members to the EFCC.
Part of the statement read, “We are not happy that with the allegation rocking house over an alleged misapplication of over N750 million meant for the purchase of official cars for members. This is unfortunate considering that about half of the members are being investigated by the EFCC. We are saddened because this development and allegations, though yet to be proven, have not only ridiculed the integrity of the House it has made a mockery of the anti corruption stance of the Samuel Ortom-led administration.
“As if that was not enough, the business of legislation has remained dormant since this scandal broke out and some bills before the House that are very important and critical to this administration have remained stagnated.”
“It is therefore our considered opinion that in view of the implication of this saga and the fact that a ridiculous picture of the House has been paint to Nigerians and the outside world as a result of the ongoing probe, the leadership of the House should honorably resign in order to save the House further mockery. We also recommend a recall of any member found liable at the end of the EFCC probe so that the House can be cleansed and repositioned for service delivery.”
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