From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The power play and intrigues in the Benue State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn yesterday as Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh resigned his position and was immediately replaced by Alfred Emberga.
Emberga was one of the four members suspended last Friday by Dajoh.
In a handwritten letter addressed to the Clerk of the Assembly, and dated August 24, Dajoh said he was resigning in good faith and in the interest of the state.
He thanked his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to lead them in the past two and half years.
“I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislature and representative of Gboko West State Constituency,” he said.
The House which convened an emergency plenary yesterday accepted the resignation letter in a session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Lami Danaldi-Ogenyi.
The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, moved a motion for the lifting of the suspension on the four members and was seconded by Peter Ipusu of Katsina Ala West State constituency.
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, 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 his predecessor 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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, observers are of the opinion that there is more to Dajoh’s resignation that meets the eye.
According to one of them, the immediate speaker was a victim of political power play.
“It is a known fact that no speaker in this country can remain in office without the backing of the governor. So, to say he just decided to resign from the exalted position is to stand truth on its head.”
Development and events in the state, particularly in the Assembly, in the last couple of days, are quite instructive. Last Friday, the Assembly, during a plenary suspended four members – Emberga representing Makurdi North State Constituency, Shimawua Emmanuel, Vandeikya; Cyril Ikong Oju II State constituency, and Abu Umoru James representing Apa State constituency – from legislative duties for a period of three months, for what it described as an “attempt to cause chaos” among members of the House.
The motion moved Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, said the actions of the members, who they alleged indulged in dishonourable actions, were capable of casting aspersions and causing acrimony in the House. It was seconded by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Elias Audu.
But less than 24 hours later, there were rumours that the failed attempt to impeach the Speaker was orchestrated by Governor Hyacinth Alia. But he denied the allegation in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
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.
He 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.
