State assemblies can summon governors over rights violations — Benue ex-lawmaker

A former member of the House of Representatives in Benue State, Goddy Ikerave has stated that state assemblies have the constitutional authority to summon their governors to clarify grey areas concerning state affairs.

The former lawmaker, who represented the Gwer West/Gwer East Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003, made this assertion on Tuesday during a chat with journalists.

Ikerave expressed concern that some House members were being denied their entitlements while the leadership and other members of the House remained silent on the matter.

He said, “I place the blame at the doorstep of the House leadership. They should invite the governor to explain why these members are being denied their constitutional entitlements.

“The legislative arm is constitutionally empowered to summon the Chief Executive of the state from time to time to address issues related to governance, for which he was elected.”

His comments follow reports of the non-payment of ₦30 million constituency allowances and the denial of official vehicles to members of the Benue State House of Assembly.

Solomon Iorpev, the Technical Adviser on Media Publicity and Strategic Communication to Governor Hyacinth Alia, explained that the delay in procuring sufficient vehicles for the lawmakers and releasing constituency allowances was caused by the autonomy granted to the House after the passage of the 2024 budget.

Iorpev added that the governor had reached an agreement with the lawmakers to address the issues.

The House Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, also noted that the assembly attained its autonomy after the 2024 budget had been passed, but assured that the 2025 budget would resolve outstanding issues.

Tiseer said, “No member has received ₦30 million for constituency projects, although the amounts received vary — some ₦15 million, some ₦10 million. We are engaging the governor to address these matters. The shortfall resulted from the autonomy granted to the House after the passage of the 2024 budget.

“As for vehicles, we are 32 members, but the vehicles provided were insufficient. Seven members, including the Speaker, are yet to receive their official vehicles.”