The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday recommended the indefinite suspension of the executive secretary of the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lottery Board, Michael Uper, over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.

The recommendation followed consideration of a report by the House Standing Committee on Finance, led by Matthew Damkor (APC/Tiev), detailing findings from its investigation into the board’s activities.

Mr Damkor said the committee uncovered multiple infractions, including a conflict of interest, as the executive secretary doubled as a consultant to the board through his private firm, Upper Premier Services Limited.

He said Mr Uper configured and controlled a payment solution platform used for revenue collection by the board, with exclusive access to its backend.

According to him, several accounts linked to Mr Uper and his company were used as receiving accounts for government revenues.

He stated that between September 2024 and July 2025, a total of N208.5 million was collected through the accounts associated with the executive secretary via the platform.

The lawmaker also accused him of denying the committee access to critical documents that could have strengthened the investigation, as well as of failing to provide proper documentation to the office of the secretary to the state government.

He listed several bank accounts belonging to both Mr Uper and Upper Premier Services Limited, tied to the revenue collection system and linked to his Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Mr Damkor raised concerns over the conduct of other officials connected to the board.

Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) disclosed that the executive secretary refused to honour invitations to appear before the House committees.

Cephas Dyako (APC/Konshisha) described him as evasive and accused him of withholding key information.

Anthony Agom (APC/Okpokwu) said Mr Uper was involved in the misappropriation of state funds.

The deputy chief whip, Simon Gabo (APC/Mata), accused him of abusing his office by exercising overlapping authority within the agency.

In his ruling, the speaker, Alfred Emberga, said the executive secretary should be suspended indefinitely because he was not working in the state’s interest.

He said that it would not be in the state’s best interest for Mr Uper to continue to superintend the board’s affairs.

Mr Emberga said the suspension would allow for proper restructuring of the agency.

The House also indicated that further actions may be taken as efforts continue to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds in the state.

(NAN)