Kogi Assembly Lifts Suspension of Ibaji LGA Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ugeh Onuche

Bashir Opaluwa Idris

The Kogi State House of Assembly has lifted the suspension of the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ugeh Onuche, following the consideration and adoption of the report presented by its Committee on Public Petitions.

The decision to lift the suspension was reached during plenary after lawmakers deliberated extensively on the committee’s findings regarding allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation.

According to the committee’s report, a thorough review of relevant documents, submissions, and evidence revealed that the claims of financial misappropriation were unsubstantiated.

Presenting the motion for the adoption of the report, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions and Member Representing Ogori-Magongo State Constituency, Hon. Bode Ogunmola, urged members to accept the committee’s recommendations.

He noted that due process was strictly followed throughout the investigation and noted that the affected chairman had tendered apologies where necessary.

The motion was subsequently put to a voice vote and received overwhelming support from members of the House.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, reiterated the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to good governance, peace, and accountability across the state.

He emphasized that while legislative oversight and investigations remain critical responsibilities of the House, fairness and justice must always prevail, and no individual should be sanctioned without credible and verifiable evidence.

The Speaker further stressed the importance of unity and equitable representation in governance, particularly in matters concerning development commissions and resource management.

According to the Speaker, State resources belong to all citizens, irrespective of locality, and must be managed transparently and inclusively for the collective benefit of the people.

With the adoption of the committee’s report, Hon. Emmanuel Ugeh Onuche resumes his duties as Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area with immediate effect.

Recall that the Kogi State House of Assembly had on 12th November 2025 suspended Hon. Ugeh Onuche over allegations of gross misconduct and actions said to have tarnished the image of the State.