Members of the Benue State House of Assembly have suspended sitting over the non-payment of their six-month salary arrears and allowances.
Following the suspension its sitting, the lawmakers refused assent to the controversial Pension Bill, proposed by Governor Samuel Ortom.
The Governor-elect Hyacinth Alia has criticized the bill, which would offer former state governors permanent accommodation and four new cars every four years.
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The bill, which has passed its first reading, also proposes hiring of six personal staff for former governors and three for former deputy governors, as well as free medical treatment for the former governors, their spouses, and at least four of their children under 18.
According to Bem Mngutyo, a member of the House, the decision to suspend plenary was made in light of the unresolved issue of their outstanding salaries and emoluments.
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The lawmaker further revealed that Governor Ortom reportedly met with the Peoples Democratic Party caucus of the House last weekend to discuss the matter and promised to settle the arrears before leaving office in 18 days using the state’s May federal allocation.
