Benue Assembly Suspends Former Speaker Dajoh, Confirms Commissioner Nominees

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended its immediate past Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, for three months.

At Tuesday’s plenary, August 26, 2025, the Assembly also confirmed two commissioner nominees earlier rejected by members and recommended that Governor Hyacinth Alia lift the suspension placed on three government officials.

Moving the motion for Dajoh’s suspension, Terna Emmanuel, representing Kyan State Constituency, accused the former Speaker of convening a secret meeting with some lawmakers at his residence to initiate an impeachment move against the governor.

“Though the Benue State House of Assembly is guided by the principle of separation of powers, last Thursday the former Speaker called members to his residence where they initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor. I move that this House condemn his actions and suspend him for six months to allow him reconsider his conduct,” Emmanuel stated.

The motion was seconded by Abu Umoru, member representing Apa Constituency, who recalled that the House had in the past suspended members for similar offenses.

Ruling on the matter, the Speaker, Hon. Alfred Emberga, condemned Dajoh’s actions and announced his suspension for three months.

Earlier, Speaker Emberga read a letter from Governor Alia renominating Dr. Timothy Yangien Ornguga and Mr. James Dwen as commissioners. The governor explained that although petitions had been written against the nominees, neither had been convicted or indicted by any competent court.

In his ruling, the Speaker said: “Our duty is to screen and make recommendations to the governor. Since the petitions lack legal weight, the two nominees are hereby confirmed.”

Also, the Majority Leader, Sateer Tiseer, presented an apology letter from the suspended SUBEB Chairperson, Dr. Grace Adagba, the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, and the Executive Secretary of the State Lottery and Sporting Board, Mr. Michael Upper, dated August 22, 2025.

After deliberations, the Speaker said the officials had admitted their wrongdoing and deserved forgiveness.

“To err is human and forgiveness is divine. Since they have realized their mistakes, our earlier decision showed that the House has power. Henceforth, they cannot undermine this Assembly, and we urge that their suspension be lifted,” Emberga ruled.