The Benue state house of assembly has suspended Abraham Gberidyer, auditor-general for local government, over alleged financial misappropriation and fraud involving about N4.6 billion.
Michael Zape, the chief press secretary (CPS) to Berger Emberga, speaker of the assembly, said in a statement that the house suspended the auditor general during the plenary on Thursday.
According to Zape, Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, informed the lawmakers through a letter sent by the head of service of serious financial impropriety, leveled against the auditor-general.
The CPS said Alia noted 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.”
He noted that the house unanimously approved his suspension to allow for a proper investigation into the allegations after deliberations.
Meanwhile, Zape said a bill for a law to provide for the creation and adoption of the Benue state symbol and anthem and for other related matters 2026 was equally passed.
“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.
Also, during plenary a bill for a law to repeal the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lotteries Board Law, 2017, and Re-enact the Benue State Lotteries, Public Online Lotteries, Gaming and Sports Marketing Board Law, 2024, was read for the second time.”
“The Speaker Berger Emberga referred it to the house standing committee on youth, sports and creativity for further legislative scrutiny.
“Also, a bill for a law to provide for the retirement age and enhance remuneration of magistrates and legal officers enjoyed a third reading.
”The bill was passed following the considerations of the report of the house standing committee chairman on judiciary, ethics and privileges
”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 also passed a second reading, the bill which seeks the increments in pensions of retirees was sponsored by Douglas Akya representing Makurdi south state constituency.”