Benue Assembly Rejects Commissioner Nominee Over Student Abuse Allegations

The Benue State House of Assembly has rejected a commissioner nominee, Ornguga, over allegations of mistreating a former student during his time as a lecturer at Benue State University. The allegations against Ornguga included dehumanization, academic victimization, and psychological abuse.

Another nominee, James Dwen, also failed the screening process due to unsatisfactory explanations to petitions against him. The assembly has requested Governor Hyacinth Alia to propose two new candidates to fill the vacant position.

However, six other nominees were approved for the commissioner role. The Speaker of the House encouraged the confirmed nominees to serve the people faithfully.

Ornguga's nomination faced widespread opposition, including a petition from the Human Environmental Development Agenda and an alumnus group from Benue State University. The specific case cited in the petition involved a student who was allegedly unfairly failed and delayed in completing their studies due to Ornguga's actions.

Governor Alia had dissolved the state executive council and appointed Moses Atagher.