The Benue State House of Assembly has constituted an ad hoc committee to scrutinise local governments’ cash flows to strengthen transparency and accountability at the grassroots level.

The committee was constituted during the plenary on Tuesday in Makurdi, the state capital.

The speaker, Alfred Emberga, said Governor Hyacinth Alia had disclosed at several fora that his administration had granted full autonomy to local governments.

Mr Emberga noted that adequate funds were consistently released to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

The committee is chaired by the House majority leader, Thomas Dugeri, with Cyril Ikong serving as the vice chairman.

Other members include Terna Shimawua, Abu Umoru, Bemdoo Ipusu, Douglas Akya, and Isaac Ochekliye.

Mr Emberga said the committee’s secretariat would be handled by Daniel Gever as secretary, assisted by Michael Tsav.

He charged the committee to carry out a thorough and diligent assignment, urging them to submit their report within 21 days.

Meanwhile, the House also considered and passed four bills.

The bills include a bill to provide for the Benue State Pension Harmonisation and Minimum Pension Law, 2026, aimed at improving pension administration and the welfare of retirees. It was sponsored by Douglas Akya and five others.

The House equally passed a bill establishing the Benue State Security Trust Fund to enhance security funding, as well as a bill to repeal the Local Government Law 2007 and enact a new legal framework governing the establishment, structure, composition, financing, and functions of local government councils in the state.

In addition, the assembly passed a bill to provide a comprehensive framework for mainstreaming climate change actions.

The proposed law also introduces a carbon budgeting system and establishes the Benue State Council on Climate Change Secretariat, reflecting the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate governance.

(NAN)