The office of Benue State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Grace Adagba, has dismissed as “false and misleading” reports that she refused to appear before the Benue State House of Assembly on August 6, 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday, Dr. Adagba clarified that the Assembly’s invitation — dated July 31, 2025 — was not received in her office until August 4, giving her just two days to prepare for the session.
According to the commissioner, her office responded on August 5, formally requesting a 30-day extension to compile and submit a detailed two-year contract performance report. She argued that such an extension was necessary to properly arrange and present all contract documents already available for verification.
“Instead of granting this reasonable request or allowing a fair public hearing, the committee hastily moved to recommend my suspension,” Dr. Adagba said, describing the move as “unfair, unnecessary, and undeserving,” given her track record of transparency and due process.
Under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, she noted, her ministry had conducted the most transparent recruitment process in the state’s history, ensured all contracts followed due process with complete documentation, and delivered key projects and reforms that have positively impacted education in Benue State.
The commissioner suggested that the 10th Assembly’s actions appear to be politically motivated, accusing lawmakers of attempting to undermine Governor Alia’s achievements in just two years.
“This is less about accountability and more about destabilization — a calculated attempt to weaken an administration that has excelled,” she maintained.
Dr. Adagba called on the Assembly to focus on governance rather than “political distractions and witch hunts,” insisting that transparency and fairness should guide public service.
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