Benue Assembly elects Emberga as new Speaker after Dajoh’s resignation
By Jeffrey Agbo
Benue State House of Assembly has chosen Mr. Alfred Emberga, the lawmaker representing Makurdi North Constituency, as its new Speaker.
His emergence followed the resignation of Mr. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, who stepped down on Sunday through a formal letter submitted to the Clerk of the Assembly.
Emberga was among four legislators who spearheaded the failed impeachment attempt against Dajoh last Thursday. The quartet was suspended for three months during Friday’s plenary but were dramatically reinstated during an emergency session held on Sunday.
The special sitting, convened by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Lami Ogenyi, witnessed the Majority Leader, Mr. Saater Tiseer, move a motion seeking pardon for the suspended lawmakers. His request was seconded by Mr. Peter Ipusu of Katsina-Ala West Constituency, paving the way for their recall.
Shortly afterward, the Clerk, Mr. John Hwande, read aloud Dajoh’s resignation letter, which the House unanimously accepted before proceeding to elect a new presiding officer.
Deputy Speaker Ogenyi then invited nominations. Mr. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South) nominated Emberga, with Mr. Abu Umoru (Apa) seconding the motion. Emberga accepted the nomination and was immediately sworn in as Speaker.
In his inaugural speech, Emberga saluted his predecessor, describing his exit as a courageous sacrifice for the institution. He stressed the burden of leadership and the expectations of the Benue people who, in his words, “look up to us to provide sound laws, effective oversight and quality representation.”
Commending Dajoh further, Emberga lauded him “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.”
He pledged that his administration would embrace “inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions,” adding that the Assembly under his watch would cooperate with the Executive and Judiciary, while safeguarding its independence.
“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,” he said.
Dajoh, in his handwritten resignation letter dated August 24, 2025, explained his decision, writing: “I write to resign my position as the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly effective today, 24 August, 2027. This is done in good fate and in the 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 legislature and representative of Gboko West State Constituency.”
The other lawmakers suspended for initiating impeachment moves included Cyril Ekong (Oju 2), Abu Umoru (Apa), and Shimawua Terna (Kyan). Their suspension had thrown the Assembly into turmoil, further fueling calls for Dajoh to step aside.
