The Benue State House of Assembly has given the contractor handling the renovation of its complex 15 days to complete the project or face investigations by the EFCC and ICPC. The warning was issued by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondoaver Berger Alfred Emberga, during an inspection visit to the site alongside other lawmakers on Wednesday, October 16, 2025.

The lawmakers expressed disappointment after discovering that the contractor had abandoned the project, locking up the premises despite allegedly receiving full payment. The Speaker described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that the delay had disrupted normal legislative proceedings and forced members to hold plenary sessions on plastic chairs.

Rt. Hon. Emberga warned that if the project is not completed and delivered by the end of October, the Assembly would officially petition the EFCC and ICPC to probe the matter for possible financial misconduct. He emphasized that accountability and transparency must be upheld in all public contracts.

In a statement signed by Michael Zape, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, the Assembly also announced plans to summon officials from the Ministry of Works to present the contract documents for a comprehensive review. The aim, according to the Speaker, is to verify compliance with the project’s approved specifications and budgetary provisions.

Rt. Hon. Emberga reiterated the commitment of the Benue State House of Assembly to ensuring that the 2026 budget presentation by the state’s Executive Governor would take place in a fully renovated and functional legislative chamber.