In a dramatic turn of events, the Benue State House of Assembly has elected Hon. Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North Constituency, as its new Speaker, following the unexpected resignation of Hon. Aondona Dajoh.
The election, which took place during an emergency sitting of the Assembly, marks a significant shift in the state’s legislative leadership amid ongoing political tensions.
Hon. Dajoh, who represented Gboko West and had served as Speaker since June 2023, announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the Clerk of the Assembly, citing his decision as being “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”
His departure comes just 48 hours after the Assembly suspended four lawmakers, including Emberga, for allegedly conspiring to cause chaos and attempting to impeach Dajoh.
The suspension, moved by Majority Leader Hon. Saater Tiseer, had accused Emberga and three others of actions “inimical to the peaceful co-existence of the House.”Despite his recent suspension, Hon. Alfred Emberga emerged as the unanimous choice for Speaker during Sunday’s emergency session.
It remains unclear whether Emberga’s suspension was formally lifted prior to his election, raising questions about the internal dynamics of the Assembly.
The swearing-in ceremony, held under tight security with a heavy military presence at the Assembly complex, underscored the heightened tensions surrounding the leadership change.
Emberga, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Deputy Chief Whip, takes the helm at a time of significant political uncertainty in Benue State.
His election follows a period of reported friction within the Assembly, with speculations of an impeachment plot against Dajoh circulating in recent weeks.
A statement from the Benue State Government, signed by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, clarified that the governor had no involvement in any alleged attempt to remove Dajoh, emphasizing Alia’s respect for the separation of powers and his cordial relationship with the Assembly.
In his acceptance remarks, Speaker Emberga expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support and pledged to foster unity and cooperation within the House.
“I am deeply honored by this responsibility, and I call on all members to work together for the progress of Benue State,” Emberga said.
He also vowed to uphold the rule of law and prioritize legislative duties that advance the state’s development.Dajoh, in his resignation letter, thanked his colleagues for the opportunity to serve as Speaker, describing it as a privilege to be “first among equals.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to his constituents in Gboko West, promising to continue serving diligently as a legislator.
As Emberga assumes the speakership, all eyes will be on how he navigates the complex dynamics within the House and addresses the challenges facing Benue State.
Details of the circumstances leading to Dajoh’s resignation and Emberga’s rapid rise to the speakership are still emerging.
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