The Benue State House of Assembly has witnessed a dramatic shift in leadership following the resignation of its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, and the subsequent election of Hon. Alfred Emberga as his successor.
Dajoh, who represented Gboko West Constituency, formally announced his decision to step down on Sunday, August 24, 2025, through a handwritten letter he personally shared on his Facebook page with the caption “Let there be peace.”
In the letter, the former Speaker stated: “I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today, 24th August, 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 gave me to be the first among equals.
“I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko West Constituency.”
His resignation came barely 48 hours after the House suspended four lawmakers who were accused of plotting his impeachment.
The suspended members included Alfred Emberga of Makurdi North, Terna Shimawua of Kian, Cyril Ekong of Obi, and James Umoru of Apa Constituency.
Governor Hyacinth Alia quickly distanced himself from the unfolding drama, stressing that he had no role in the internal affairs of the Assembly and no hand in the alleged plot to unseat the Speaker.
The suspension of the lawmakers had been moved on the floor of the House by Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer, who argued that their actions were capable of destabilizing the Assembly and plunging the state legislature into needless crisis.
The motion was upheld, and the four members were barred from legislative activities for six months.
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However, in a surprising twist, an emergency sitting convened on Sunday evening under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Hon. Lami Ogenyi, reversed the suspension.
The House not only recalled the four lawmakers but also elected Alfred Emberga as the new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
The recall motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer, and seconded by Hon. Peter Ipusu, member representing Katsina-Ala West.
The subsequent motion nominating Emberga as Speaker was put forward by Hon. Douglas Akya of Makurdi South and seconded by Hon. Abu James of Apa Constituency.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Speaker, Hon. Emberga, expressed gratitude to his colleagues and acknowledged the heavy responsibility of the office.
He praised his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, describing his resignation as an act of courage and sacrifice.
“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 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.”
Emberga pledged to lead an Assembly anchored on inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions.
He also assured that while the legislature would collaborate harmoniously with the executive and judiciary, it would maintain its independence in accordance with the principle of separation of powers.
“To my esteemed colleagues, I assure you that this leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions.
“Together, we shall ensure that the dignity and integrity of this Assembly is upheld at all times,” he declared.
The new Speaker further called on all lawmakers to unite in the collective pursuit of peace, good governance, and development for the people of Benue State.
“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,” Emberga said.
With this change in leadership, the Benue State House of Assembly enters a new chapter—one that stakeholders hope will foster stability, inclusiveness, and renewed legislative focus.