The Benue State House of Assembly has recommended the indefinite suspension of the Executive Secretary of the state’s Sports Marketing and Lottery Board, Michael Upev, following findings of corruption, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
The resolution was passed unanimously during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga. It followed a report from the House Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Hon. Dr. Mathew Damkor, which conducted an oversight visit to the board.
The committee’s investigation revealed that Upev concurrently served as a consultant to the board through his company, Upper Premier Service Limited. Further, the committee found he configured a payment solution platform granting himself exclusive backend access and linked accounts belonging to his company as receiving accounts for board transactions. These actions constituted a clear conflict of interest and financial irregularity.
Assembly members said the suspension is necessary to allow the state government to restructure the board for improved performance and accountability.
In parallel legislative proceedings, the Benue State Agency for International Cooperation and Development Bill was passed into law after its third reading. The bill, recommended by the House Standing Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and Donor Agencies chaired by Hon. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), establishes a framework for managing international partnerships and development aid.
Additionally, a bill proposing free diabetes care and treatment within the state Ministry of Health underwent its first reading. The bill was presented to the House by Hon. Manger Manger representing Tarka Constituency.
The Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Michael Zape, confirmed these developments in an official statement.
The suspension recommendation and new legislation highlight the Assembly’s active oversight role and its push for institutional reform and expanded public health initiatives in Benue State. The executive branch’s response to the suspension call and the subsequent progress of the diabetes care bill will be closely watched.
