The Benue State House of Assembly has formally adopted its amended Calendar of Business for the 2025/2026 legislative year, setting out 187 sitting days across three sessions and recesses.
The decision was taken at Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondoaver Berger Alfred Emberga.
Moving the motion, the Majority Leader, Hon. Pharm. Sir Thomas Dugeri, noted that Section 104 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates state assemblies to sit for not less than 181 days in a legislative year. He further stressed that Section 101 empowers the House to regulate its own procedure, including the scheduling of sittings and recess periods.
According to him, the new timetable would provide clarity and structure to the Assembly’s activities, thereby enhancing legislative efficiency. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Abu Umoru, who commended the amendment as a step towards accuracy and effectiveness in the House’s operations.
During the same plenary, lawmakers received reports from the Committees on Higher Education and Food Security and Nutrition. The Higher Education Committee presented findings on a petition involving alleged encroachment of land belonging to Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu by Mission House International, while the Food Security Committee submitted a report on its oversight visit to the Department of Livestock Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Makurdi. Both reports were subsequently referred to relevant committees for further legislative action.
In another development, a motion by Hon. Onah Blessed Emmanuel of Oju I Constituency seeking recognition for academic excellence was unanimously adopted. The resolution mandates the Benue State Examinations Board, in collaboration with WAEC, NECO and tertiary institutions, to annually publish the names of the best graduating students for the purpose of recognition and reward by the Assembly.
Also, a bill seeking to provide for the creation and adoption of a state symbol and anthem scaled second reading. The proposed law, presented by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Bem Melody, is aimed at promoting a unique identity and sense of pride for the people of Benue State.
