Dramatic twist  as suspended lawmaker, Emberga, emerges  as new speaker

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

 Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has tendered his  resignation letter from his position.

Dajoh in a handwritten resignation letter addressed to the Clerk of the House and read in the floor of the house, intimated that  his decision to resigned his position as speaker was done “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”

Dajoh insisted that he took the step after deep reflection and consultation.

“I right to resign my position as the speaker of the Benue State house of assembly effective today August 24th 2025.

This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state. I want to appreciate my dear colleagues for the opportunity they have to me to be the first among equals.

“I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko west state constituency

“It is my belief that this decision will foster peace and stability within the House and allow us to refocus on the task of delivering good governance to the people of Benue State.

“This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state

“I want to appreciate my dear colleagues for the opportunity they have to me to be the first among equals. I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko west state constituency,  Dajoh said 

The former speaker resignation is coming barely 48 hours after the Assembly suspended four of its members over an alleged plot to impeach Dajoh as Speaker. 

The circumstances surrounding the attempted removal have fueled speculation about internal power struggles within the Assembly.

There are further speculations that the Benue State Governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia may have ordered the attempted removal of the former speaker due to his firm decision against the governor to make the house a rubber stamp.

The former speaker insisted that all correspondences emulated from the governor never scaled through until the governor and executive members honour the house resolutions sent to him.

However,  Alia exonerated himself from the alleged attempt to impeach the Speaker of  Benue State House of Assembly, Aondoana Dajoh by four members of the house.

He denied that he was not involved, neither does he have a hand in the attempt made by those four members.

The Governor spoke while providing clarification  to speculations that he may have had a hand in the foiled impeachment plot against the Speaker on Friday.

Governor Alia who spoke through a statement by his chief press secretary Tersoo Kula explained that he enjoys a cordial and productive working relationship with the Dajoh led Assembly.

 Governor  Alia added that he holds the legislature in high esteem, stressing that he also has respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers.

Meanwhile,  the Deputy Whip/spokesman of the House Alfred Emberga representing Makurdi North State Constituency, was suspended by the House.

it was gathered that Emberga was alleged to have hatched a plot to remove the ousted speaker and supposedly   the favorite to take over from Dajoh

Meanwhile, in an emergency sitting presided over the Deputy Speaker Hon Lami Ogenyi on Sunday evening, recalled the suspended Alfred Emberga and elected him as the new Speaker. 

Emberga who represents Makurdi North State Constituency was recalled and re-admitted alongside three other members. The motion to recall him was moved by the Majority Leader Tiseer Saater and seconded by Peter Ipusu representing Katsina-Ala West. 

The motion to elect the new speaker was moved by Douglas Akya representing Makurdi South and seconded by Abu Umoru James representing Apa State Constituency. 

In his acceptance speech, the new speaker Alfred Emberga said he acknowledged the weight of the office and the expectations of Benue people, who look up to the House to provide sound laws, effective oversight, and quality representation. 

Said he, “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, 

“Finally, I call on all members to join hands with me in unity of purpose. 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”.