The 9th Benue State House of Assembly on Friday elected Mr. Damian Tyoapine Cheme, representing Gwer West Constituency, as the Majority Leader, while Mr. Godwin Edo of Agatu Constituency was elected as Deputy Majority Leader.
Thomas Mlanga of Ukum emerged as the Chief Whip, while Peter Onche of Obi state constituency emerged as Deputy Chief Whip.
Their nomination, which took place during the plenary at the floor of the House followed a correspondence from the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the House which was read to members by the Speaker, Titus Uba.
According to the correspondence, the state working committee of PDP after its meeting approved their nomination for the various positions.
In the same vein, another correspondence from the state chapter of All Progressive Congress, APC, announced Mr. Bem Ngutyo of Tarka Constituency as the Minority Leader, while the House after its meeting unanimously approved the nomination of Cephas Dyako of Konshisha state Constituency as Minority Whip.
Speaking with newsmen after their election, Majority Leader, Mr. Cheme thanked God and the state working committee of PDP for finding him worthy of the position.
He pledged to be committed to the job and solicited the support and cooperation of the Benue people to enable him and his colleagues do well.
The Minority Leader, Mr. Bem Ngutyo promised to discharge his duties effectively without being confrontational, saying as the minority leader of the House, he would work to bring balance to the House, offer useful advice to the majority party for the overall interest of Benue people.
The Minority Whip, Cephas Dyako of Konshisha state Constituency, in his own remarks, said; “It feels really good emerging as one the principal officers of the Benue Assembly. I believe this office is going to provide me more and better opportunities to serve my people.”
