Reps fail to swear in Hembe’s replacement

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday again did not swear in the member-elect for Konshisha/Vandeikya Federal Constituency of Benue state, Hon. Dorothy Mato.

Mato is to replace erstwhile chairman of the House Commitee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Herma Hembe.

The Supreme Court had on June 25 sacked Hembe and Sen Sani Abubakar Danladi and ordered that Hon. Mato and Alhaji Shuaibu Isa Lau be sworn in immediately.

The court also ordered the sacked legislators to refund all monies collected as salaries and allowances in the last two years.

While Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau had since been sworn in by senate president, Hon. Mato’s swearing is still hanging in the House.

Last Thursday, the House Spokesman, Rep. Abdulrazaq Namdas explained that the member-elect could not be sworn in because she needed to complete certain documentation.

But a constituent of the lawmaker confirmed that Mato had done all the necessary documentation.

“Mato, was kept in the office of the clerk to the house for hours waiting to be ushered into the chamber for swearing in, but to no avail.’’

Her constituents and supporters, who came to the gallery to witness her inauguration, left disappointed.

At plenary, Speaker Yakubu Dogara was absent in the chambers and the house was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Lasun Yussuff.

It was reported that the member-elect was seen loitering around.