PDP Questions Legality of Benue Government Spending, Alleges Alia Failed to Sign Key Bills

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over allegations that Governor Hyacinth Alia failed to assent to bills passed by the Benue State House of Assembly, including annual appropriation bills, raising questions about the legal basis for government spending.

The opposition party was reacting to comments made by the immediate past Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, who recently disclosed that the Assembly passed 33 bills within two years under his leadership, describing the feat as unprecedented.
According to the PDP, while the passage of the bills reflected the productivity of the legislature, it was disturbing that none of the bills, including those related to the state budget, were allegedly signed into law by Governor Alia.
In a statement signed by the party’s State Secretary, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, the PDP said the disclosure raises serious constitutional, legal, and governance concerns.
The party questioned the legal framework under which the state government has been operating financially if appropriation bills were not assented to in accordance with the law.
The PDP argued that the alleged refusal to sign the bills poses a challenge to democratic governance and the principle of separation of powers, adding that the situation suggests an attempt to undermine the independence of the legislative arm of government.
The party further alleged that the governor’s actions reflect a pattern of executive dominance over the legislature, warning that such a trend could weaken the institutional checks and balances required in a democratic system.
The PDP also called on Governor Alia and the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly to reverse what it described as politically motivated suspensions imposed on some lawmakers, including former Speaker Dajoh.
According to the party, suspending elected representatives for perceived political reasons denies constituents their constitutional right to representation and weakens democratic institutions.
The PDP stressed that lawmakers should be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or political interference.
The statement further expressed concern that governance in the state was being driven by political considerations rather than adherence to constitutional procedures and the rule of law.
The party maintained that effective democracy depends on strong institutions and mutual respect among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government.
While condemning what it described as an apparent disregard for legislative authority, the PDP insisted that the people of Benue deserve a government that respects due process and prioritizes public interest over political considerations.
The party also announced plans to seek the intervention of relevant constitutional and oversight bodies to investigate the issues raised by Dajoh’s revelations and determine whether the actions of the state government complied with legal requirements.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Benue State Government nor the Benue State House of Assembly had officially responded to the PDP’s allegations.