Benue Assembly Suspends Four Lawmakers Over Alleged Attempt to Incite Chaos

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State House of Assembly (BNHA) has suspended four of its members from legislative duties for three months over what it described as an attempt to cause disorder within the House.

The affected lawmakers are Alfred Aondoaver (Makurdi North State Constituency), Shimawua Emmanuel (Vandeikya), Cyril Ikong (Oju II State Constituency), and Abu Umoru James (Apa State Constituency).

The motion for their suspension was moved by the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, who initially proposed a six-month suspension. The motion was seconded by Elias Audu, Chairman of the House Committee on Information. However, in his ruling, Speaker Aondoana Dajoh reduced the suspension period to three months.

According to Tiseer’s motion, “The House notes that the Benue State House of Assembly, like any other legislature, is a hallowed assembly of honourable personalities whose words are their bond; Aware that the House has the powers to regulate its procedure, including upholding its honour and integrity.

“Informed that on Wednesday, 20th August 2025, the House, in the spirit of unity, passed a vote of confidence on the House leadership and the Governor of Benue State.”

He further explained that barely three days after the resolution, Hon. Alfred Aondoaver and the three other members allegedly mobilized colleagues in an attempt to stir unrest in the House.

“The House condemns in the strongest terms the dishonourable actions of Hon. Alfred Aondoaver and his cohorts,” Tiseer stated.

Consequently, the lawmakers were suspended from legislative duties for three months for what the House described as “dishonourable actions capable of causing acrimony and bringing disrepute to the Assembly.”