The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Vitalis Neji, for three months over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The suspension followed the consideration of a report submitted by an ad hoc committee constituted by the Assembly to investigate the allegations against the council chairman.

Presenting the report during Thursday’s plenary, the Majority Leader and Chairman of the committee, Peter Ipusu, said Neji appeared before the panel but was unable to satisfactorily defend himself against the allegations.

Following the presentation and debate on the report, members unanimously called on the Speaker, Alfred Emberga, to rule on the committee’s recommendation.

Ruling on the matter, Emberga announced Neji’s three-month suspension to allow for further investigation into the allegations.

The Speaker said the suspension took immediate effect and would remain in force pending the outcome of the investigation.