By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has approved the immediate removal of Dr. John Chen as the Chairman of Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC.
A press statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the governor on Friday, directing the Chairman to handover to the Administrative Secretary of the Commission, accused the BSIEC chairman of lacking good judgement as to which decision will appeal to the greater majority of all stakeholders, and also that his actions so far in office fall short of public interest.
The statement said the removal of the Chairman is in compliance with a communication from the Benue State House of Assembly in which the Honourable members’ resolution amongst others was sent to him for further implementation.
“These resolutions include, amongst others; that the chairman of the Commission, Dr. John Chen should be removed from the office”.
The statement pointed out that, “the Assembly accused the BSIEC chairman of lacking good judgement as to which decision will appeal to the greater majority of all stakeholders, and also that his actions so far in office fall short of the public interest”.
At the inauguration of BSIEC Chairman and members of the Commission earlier in the year, the governor had enjoined him to ensure “the success of our democratic process to enable his administration build a future where fairness, justice, and progress reign supreme”.
The governor had said, “I anticipate that following your swearing-in, you will promptly embark on outlining your program of activities and devising a realistic election timetable. Your dedication to this task will be crucial in fostering a transparent electoral process that enhances public trust and confidence in our democratic institutions”.
The resolution of the State House of Assembly demanding the Chairman’s removal and the governor’s biddability to it is indicative of failure from the Chairman who could not keep with the deadline for the local government elections slated for July 2024.
