Benue Assembly issues warrant of arrest on NICON Insurance Company

IRKED by the refusal of the management of NICON Insurance Company to honor its invitation, Benue State House of Assembly,  Tuesday issued   a warrant  of arrest on the management.

The house passed the resolution at its Tuesday sitting when it dawned on it that the management of the company which had reneged in its  earlier letter to appear before it yesterday.

The  members expressed deep concern for what it termed ‘disrespect to the house  when  the Speaker, Rt Hon. Terkinbir Ikyanger  informed them  that the Insurance Company had neither come nor send any letter  to the House to explain its reason not  to honour the invitation.

The lawmakers have been having a running battle with the Insurance Company over its refusal to pay to the State government the sum of over N26 million being premium due to it in respect of the burnt portion of the Makurdi Modern Market over ten years ago.

The Assembly said it had summoned the management of the Company to appear before it over a month ago but had given an excuse via a letter addressed to the Speaker and signed by the Managing Director of the Company,  Mr. Bayode Samuel, the company was said to have promised to appear yesterday.

Some members who spoke on the floor of the house while debating the matter include;  Mr. Benjamin Nungwa, rMr. Richard Ujege,   Mr. Terhemba Chabo   and Mr. Ianna Jato; of Kwande West, Konshisha, Gboko West and  Katsina Ala West state constituencies respectively all accused the management of NICON Insurance for treating the House with levity despite two previous summons.

According to Nungwa of Kwande West state constituency, ‘the attitude of the management of this organization has offended the provisions of Section 103, 128 and 129 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I hereby  call  on the House to invoke the necessary constitutional provisions.’

House Majority Leader, Barr. Benjamin Adanyi, of Makurdi state constituency  moved a motion that a Warrant of Arrest be issued against management of NICON Insurance to compel their appearance in line with Section 129 sub (d). The motion was seconded by Mr. Christopher Adaji of Ohimini state constituency.

The  speaker in his ruling, directed the Commissioner of Police,  Benue State Command, Mr Bachir Makama  to effect the Warrant of Arrest to compel NICON Management to appear before the House on the 28 day of February.