Gov Alia inaugurates Benue Assembly, pledges no interference

The Governor of Benue, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Monday, inaugurated the 10th Benue House of Assembly.

The governor charged the legislators to collaborate with the executive arm of government in order to deliver the much-expected dividends of democracy to the Benue people.

Alia, however, assured the lawmakers of his administration’s support at all times and solicited constructive engagements and support from the legislature and judicial arms of governments to enable them actualise the set goals.

He urged the new legislators to be exemplary in their conduct, stressing that the Benue society had placed so many expectations on them, hence the need to deliver on their mandate.

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According to the governor, the legislature not only gives the people a voice in affairs of government but provides the bedrock for the rule of law, equity, and justice to reign in the polity.

“Due to the big role the legislature plays side by side with the judiciary and the executive arm of government, we are fully prepared to respect the sanctity of the doctrine of the separation of powers under democracy,” he said.

Alia, who pledged not to interfere with the internal affairs of the legislature, especially in the election of its leaders, said he was prepared to meaningfully work with those who they choose to lead the house.

He, however, advised them to choose among themselves those that they would always be proud of their leadership qualities.

“We will support the House with the training and retraining of staff and members of the house,” he said.

The Clerk of the House, Mr Bernard Nule, congratulated both the new and returning members on their victories and welcomed them to the House for serious legislative business.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Benue 10th assembly consists of 32 members.

NAN also reports that at the time of filing this report, the House was setting modalities for the election of leaders and key principal officers. (NAN)