Politics
Benue Assembly Suspended Till Further Notice Due To Unpaid Salaries
The non-payment of their six-month salary arrears and allowances has caused members of the Benue state House of Assembly to cease their work.
The contentious Executive Pension Bill that Governor Samuel Ortom submitted to them for approval after the suspension of plenary has been put on hold.
The bill, which Governor-elect Hyacinth Alia has criticized, gives out four new automobiles and permanent housing to the state’s prior governors every four years.
The law, which has already passed its first reading, also calls for the hiring of three former deputy governors and six personal assistants for former governors.
It also provides free medical treatment for the past governors, their spouses and at least four of their children under 18.
A member of the House. Bem Mngutyo, told The Nation yesterday that they “resolved not to sit until our emoluments and salaries are paid.”
Mngutyo who revealed that the outgoing governor met with the Peoples Democratic Party caucus of the House last weekend over the issue, said he promised to pay the arrears of allowances and salary with the state’s May federal allocation before he exits office in 18 days.