Benue Assembly Urges Governor Alia to Unfreeze State Accounts for Smooth Governance

The Benue State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to unfreeze the state’s accounts, which were frozen during his inauguration, in order to ensure smooth governance and the effective functioning of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Chief Aondona Dajoh on Wednesday, the Assembly passed a motion to address the issue, citing concerns that the frozen accounts have rendered MDAs in the state “hopeless” and “paralyzed.”

The motion, moved by Pharm. Thomas Dugeri, member representing Kwande West State Constituency, and seconded by Rt. Honorable Cephas Dyako, member representing Konshisha State Constituency, emphasized the need for the Governor to unfreeze the accounts to facilitate effective service delivery to the people of the state.

Debating on the motion, the House expressed worry over the prolonged freezing of the accounts, which has been ongoing for over nine months into the administration’s tenure.

They argued that any transactions hanging on the government accounts would have become ineffective, as all cheque’s life span is limited to six months.

In response to the motion, a counter motion was moved by Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel, member representing Kyan constituency, and seconded by Hon. Berger Alfred, member representing Makurdi North.

The counter motion urged the House not to rush to a conclusion on why the state governor has allowed the accounts to be frozen. However, the counter motion failed through voice votes.

The House ultimately resolved that Governor Alia should, in the interest of the state, unfreeze the state accounts to enable the MDAs to function effectively and provide essential services to the people of Benue.