8 of 30 members of assembly attempt to impeach Gov. Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has described the action of eight members who commenced impeachment process against him as ‘provoking.’

Ikyange, who was impeached as speaker by the Benue house of assembly led seven other APC lawmakers to serve the governor a notice of impeachment on Monday alleging that the governor misappropriated N54 billion from the state treasury and giving a seven-day ultimatum for him to respond to the allegations.

Ortom however alleged that the eight members have the support of the former governor of the state, Senator George Akume, the IG and DG, DSS.

“Police detachment from Abuja on the directives of Akume, IG and DG SSS forcefully allowed the eight members to occupy the House of Assembly despite the court injunction restraining the impeached Speaker from parading himself as the Speaker.

“Whereas Police sent away the 22 members last Friday when they wanted to sit, today, the same Police provided security for the eight members.

The eight lawmakers who had since been suspended by the twenty-two others are Terkimbi ikyange, impeached speaker, Adanyi Benjamin, Terhemba Chabo, Benjamin Nungwa, Bem Mngutyo, Adams Okloho, James Okefe and Nick Eworo.

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.

The governor has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call to order the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris;, and the Director General, Department of State Services.

“As a law-abiding citizen, I believe in the rule of law and I will pursue it to tackle this illegality.

“Is it an offence to join any party of my choice?

“I appeal to Mr. President to rise and protect our democracy,” the governor said.