The recent suspension of Hon. Blessed Onah, the lawmaker representing Oju I constituency, along with 12 other members of the Benue State House of Assembly, has triggered widespread debate over legislative discipline, constitutional rights, and democratic representation. The move, seen as a response to the lawmakers’ opposition to the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, has not only disrupted the legislative process but has also left thousands of constituents without direct representation. The implications are far-reaching, with concerns mounting over the legality of the suspension and its impact on governance in the state.
The suspension came in the wake of a heated controversy surrounding the removal of Justice Ikpambese, who was accused of gross misconduct, abuse of office, bribery, and corruption. The Benue State Assembly deliberated on the matter and voted overwhelmingly in favor of his removal. However, a group of 13 lawmakers, including Onah, later dissociated themselves from the decision, citing constitutional infractions and procedural irregularities. The House leadership saw this as an act of dishonor and insubordination, resulting in the suspension of the dissenting lawmakers for three months.
Leadership Reshuffle Following the Suspension
In the aftermath of the suspension, the Benue State House of Assembly moved swiftly to fill the leadership positions vacated by the affected lawmakers. At its plenary session on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Assembly appointed new Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip to replace the suspended legislators.
Rt. Hon. William Ortyom, who represented Agasha (PDP), and Hon. Blessed Onah (PDP), who served as the Deputy Minority Whip before his suspension, were replaced by Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako of Konshisha (Labour) as the new Minority Whip, while Rt. Hon. Moses Egbodo was appointed as the Deputy Minority Whip.
The motion to fill these vacancies was moved by the Majority Leader, Comr Saater Tiseer (Mbagwa – APC), and seconded by the Majority Chief Whip, Bemdoo Ipusu (Katsina-Ala West – APC). The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, presiding over the session, formally announced the appointments, ensuring that the legislative leadership structure remained intact despite the ongoing controversy.
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Implications for Oju I Constituency
For the people of Oju I constituency, this development is more than just political drama; it is a significant disruption to their democratic rights. Legislative representation is crucial for constituency projects, policy advocacy, and community development. With Onah sidelined, Oju I is left without a voice in the Assembly, raising concerns about stalled projects, delayed interventions, and lack of access to government resources. While lawmakers often serve as the bridge between their people and the government, a suspension of this magnitude effectively cuts off that link.
Beyond governance, the suspension could also have economic and social consequences. Legislators play a crucial role in facilitating employment opportunities, educational scholarships, and welfare programs for their constituents. Without representation, residents of Oju I could face delays in accessing these benefits, potentially affecting livelihoods and social development in the region.
Historical Context: Similar Cases in Nigeria
Suspensions of elected representatives are not new in Nigeria. In 2023, the Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Abdul Ningi after he accused the government of budget padding. Similarly, in 2018, the Edo State House of Assembly suspended its then-Speaker, Justin Okonoboh, and two other lawmakers over allegations of misconduct. These incidents highlight a recurring pattern where suspensions are used as a tool for political control rather than genuine disciplinary measures.
One of the most notable cases was in 2018 when the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, ruling that the Senate had no constitutional authority to deny his constituents representation. The ruling established a precedent that legislative suspensions, if not properly executed within the confines of the law, can be deemed unconstitutional. This precedent offers a legal pathway for Hon. Onah and his suspended colleagues to challenge their exclusion from the Assembly.
Legal Options for Suspended Lawmakers
There are several legal options available to the suspended lawmakers. The most immediate is to seek judicial intervention. They can file a lawsuit challenging the legality of their suspension, citing constitutional provisions that guarantee fair hearing and the right to representation. Given past judicial decisions on similar matters, there is a strong possibility that a court could overturn their suspension. Another option is to seek an injunction that would allow them to resume their legislative duties pending the final court ruling.
Beyond legal action, public pressure and media advocacy could also play a significant role in reversing the suspension. Nigerian politics has shown that public outcry, when sustained, can influence decision-making. If constituents of Oju I and other affected areas rally behind their representatives, it could force the Assembly leadership to reconsider its stance. Political negotiations within the Assembly are another possible avenue, as lawmakers could leverage internal alliances to push for a reconsideration of the suspensions.
Balancing Discipline and Representation
The crisis in the Benue Assembly highlights a larger issue within Nigeria’s democratic institutions: the delicate balance between enforcing discipline and respecting democratic principles. While legislative houses have the authority to maintain order and sanction misconduct, such actions should not infringe on the fundamental rights of representatives and, by extension, their constituents. A legislative body that silences dissenting voices risks becoming an authoritarian institution rather than a democratic one.
In past cases, courts have ruled against indefinite or prolonged suspensions, stating that such measures undermine democracy by depriving constituents of their elected voice. If the Benue Assembly’s action is challenged in court, the judiciary will have another opportunity to reinforce the principle that lawmakers cannot be arbitrarily removed from their duties without due process.
What Lies Ahead for Oju I?
For Oju I, the next few months will be critical. Whether through legal action, public advocacy, or political negotiation, the resolution of this suspension will set a significant precedent for legislative governance in Nigeria. If the courts rule in favor of the suspended lawmakers, it would reaffirm the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic representation. However, if the suspension stands, it could embolden legislative houses across Nigeria to use similar tactics to suppress dissent.
The suspension of Hon. Blessed Onah is more than a political decision; it is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values. Will the people of Oju I remain voiceless in their own government, or will the law uphold their right to representation? The coming weeks will provide the answer.
