The Benue State House of Assembly has issued a request to Governor Hyacinth Alia, urging him to unfreeze the state’s accounts, which were frozen during his inauguration.

During the plenary session on Wednesday, presided over by Speaker Chief Aondona Dajoh, the motion was passed. The motion was presented by Pharm. Thomas Dugeri, the representative of Kwande West State Constituency, and seconded by Rt. Honorable Cephas Dyako, the representative of Konshisha State Constituency.

In the course of the debate, the House expressed concern over the prolonged freezing of the accounts, which has left ministries and departments unable to provide effective services to the people of the state. The House emphasized that the administration has been in place for over nine months, and the frozen accounts have hindered important transactions, as the lifespan of cheques is typically six months.

In response to the motion, Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel, the representative of Kyan constituency, proposed a counter-motion, seconded by Hon. Berger Alfred, the representative of Makurdi North. Their motion called for the House not to hastily conclude on the reasons behind the governor’s decision to freeze the accounts. However, the counter-motion failed to pass through voice votes.

The House ultimately resolved that, in the best interest of the state, the Governor should unfreeze the state accounts to ensure the smooth operation of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and enable them to deliver services effectively.