Benue Assembly Suspends Auditor General Over Fraud Claims

On Wednesday, the Benue State House of Assembly ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. Abraham Gberindy, the Auditor General for Local Government, due to allegations of financial impropriety amounting to ₦4.6 billion. This decision was made during a plenary session in Makurdi, following a formal communication from the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, which was read by the Speaker, Alfr Emberga.

The letter highlighted serious financial misconduct involving the Auditor General's office within the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The assembly was urged to take appropriate action to enable a proper investigation into the allegations.

Lawmakers expressed concerns over a possible breach of constitutional duties by the affected office. Mr. Peter Ipusu called for the outright dismissal of the official and the recovery of misappropriated funds, while Mr. Terna Shimawua advocated for a thorough investigation.

The motion to suspend Dr. Gberindy received unanimous support from the assembly, and a joint committee was directed to conduct a detailed investigation and report back for further legislative action.