From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
In a fleet of drama, the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, (BSHA), Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh has resigned his position as the Speaker.
This is just as the House of Assembly, on Sunday, have quickly elected Hon Alfred Emberga to replace him as the new speaker.
The new speaker was one of the four members who were suspended last Friday by the Dajoh led Benue Assembly.
In the handwritten letter addressed to the Clerk of the Benue State House of Assembly, and dated August 24, 2025, the speaker Dajoh said he was resigning in good fate and in the interest of the state.
He appreciated his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to lead them in the past two an half years.
The letter read, “I write to resign my position as the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly effective today, 24 August, 2027.
“This is done in good fate and in the interest of the state.
“I want to appreciate my dear colleagues for the opportunity they gave me to be the first among equals.
“I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislature and representative of Gboko West State Constituency,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday, has elected Hon Alfred Emberga as the new speaker.
The house which conveyed an emergency plenary on Sunday accepted the resignation letter of the former speaker after it was read on he floor of the house.
The plenary was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Lami Danaldi-Ogenyi who said the house has resolved to lift the suspension on the four members.
The majority leader, Saater Tiseer moved a motion for the lifting of the suspension on the four members and was seconded by Hon. Peter Ipusu of Katsina Ala West State constituency.
The deputy speaker said, “Following the motion raised by the majority leader, and supported by members of the house, this house has resolved to lift the suspension of the four members.”
After lifting the suspension, the four members were ushered into the chamber and the deputy speaker called for the nomination of a new speaker.
A member representing Makurdi South state constituency, Hon. Douglas Akyaa moved a motion and nominated Alfred Berger for the position of new speaker describing him as a leader and bridge builder who will deepen the relationship between the Executive and the legislature.
His motion was seconded by Abu Umoru representing Apa state constituency.
The new speaker in his acceptance speech, commended the former speaker for his service and commitment to the progress of the house and the people of the state.
He assured that his leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, fairness and respect for diverse opinions.
He said “Honourable colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today with a deep sense of humility and responsibility, following my election as Speaker of this Honourable House.
“I acknowledge the weight of this office and the expectations of our people, who look up to us to provide sound laws, effective oversight, and quality representation. I wish to sincerely appreciate my predecessor, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, for his service and commitment to the progress of this House and to the people of Benue State.
“His decision to resign, though, may be difficult, reflects his courage and respect for the institution of the legislature. We shall continue to build on the foundation he has laid as we move forward together.
“To my esteemed colleagues, I assure you that this leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions. The House under my watch will work harmoniously with the Executive and Judiciary, while maintaining our independence, in line with the principle of separation of powers.
“Together, we shall ensure that the dignity and integrity of this Assembly is upheld at all times.”
He called on all members to join hands with him in unity of purpose saying “Our people are yearning for development, peace, and good governance. It is our duty to rise above personal interests and partisan divides, to make laws that will improve lives, strengthen institutions, and advance the overall progress of Benue State.”
He further thanked his colleagues for his nomination and prayed for wisdom and courage to fulfill the mandate.
Recall that last Friday, the Benue State House of Assembly, during a plenary presided over by Speaker Dajoh suspended four members from legislative duties for a period of three months, for what it described as an “attempt to cause chaos” among members of the House.
It was gathered unofficially however, that the four members were rather suspended for their involvement in the failed attempt to impeach the Speaker Dajoh.
The house suspended the four members including Alfred Aondoaver Emberga representing Makurdi North State Constituency, Shimawua Emmanuel, Vandeikya; Cyril Ikong Oju II State constituency, and Abu Umoru James representing Apa State constituency, after the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, moved the motion that they be suspended for six months, and seconded by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Elias Audu.
The motion read that the actions of the members who they alleged indulged in dishonourable actions were capable of casting aspersions and causing acrimony in the House.
Less than 24 hours later, there was rumours that the failed attempt to impeach the Speaker was orchestrated by the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia. This prompted the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to deny he has no hand in any attempt to impeach the Speaker
The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Tersoo Kula stated that he is not aware of, and has no involvement whatsoever in, any purported attempt to remove the Speaker or in any activities currently taking place in the Benue State House of Assembly.
Alia said he holds the legislature in the highest esteem and maintains unwavering respect for the rule of law as well as the principle of separation of powers among the three arms of government.
The Governor also noted that he has consistently responded to communications and resolutions transmitted to him by the House as demonstrated only a few days ago when he promptly upheld and implemented critical resolutions of the Assembly conveyed to his office.
According to him, he has continued to enjoy a cordial and productive working relationship with the Dajoh led Assembly, and remains committed to supporting it in the discharge of its legislative duties for the overall development of Benue State.
Meanwhile, the election of the new speaker was done amidst tight security at the Benue State House of Assembly Complex.
