Benue assembly suspends lawmakers plotting to oust Ortom

The Benue state house of assembly has suspended the lawmakers who served an impeachment notice on Samuel Ortom, governor of the state.

The lawmakers, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accused the governor of embezzlement, and gave him seven days to respond to the allegations.

But in reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers who are the majority, accuse their colleagues of court contempt and holding illegal plenary.

Last week, a court in Makurdi presided over by Adam Onum, a judge, restrained Terkimbi ikyange, impeached speaker, from parading himself as head of the assembly.

Those suspended by the PDP legislators are Terkimbi ikyange, impeached speaker, Adanyi Benjamin, Terhemba Chabo, Benjamin Nungwa, Bem Mngutyo, Adams Okloho, James Okefe and Nick Eworo.

Ikyange, who spoke with reporters after the notice was served, alleged that the governor misappropriated N54 billion from the state treasury and gave a seven-day ultimatum for him to respond to the allegations.

Out of the 30 members of the house, the 22 PDP senators are said to be loyal to Ortom while the eight members who attempted to boot the governor out of office are reportedly doing the bidding of the ruling party.