The Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday elected Alfred Emberger as its new Speaker, following the sudden resignation of his predecessor, Aondona Dajoh.
Emberger, a close ally of Governor Hyacinth Alia, was one of four lawmakers suspended last Friday over their failed attempt to unseat Dajoh.
Emberger had led the group that spearheaded the move to remove Dajoh.
Dajoh’s leadership had earlier clashed with the executive arm after refusing to entertain official correspondence from the governor.
The standoff followed Alia’s rejection of the Assembly’s resolution suspending the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Grace Adagba; Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Mike Ogri; and Executive Secretary of the State Lottery Board.
In retaliation, the Assembly declined to screen commissioner-nominees forwarded by the governor.
Alia later bowed to pressure but approved only one-month suspensions for the affected officials, instead of the six months recommended by the lawmakers.
Last week, the Assembly also disqualified two of the governor’s eight commissioner-nominees during screening.
Reliable sources told our correspondent that some lawmakers who initially backed Dajoh shifted allegiance after meeting with government officials at the Government House.
With signatures reportedly being collated for his impeachment, Dajoh opted to resign.
At an emergency plenary on Sunday presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Lami Danaldi-Ogenyi, the House lifted the suspension on Emberger and three the three other suspended lawmakers.
The motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, and seconded by Samuel Jiji of Logo Constituency.
After their reinstatement, the suspended lawmakers were ushered into the chamber.
Douglas Akyaa (Makurdi South) then nominated Emberger as Speaker, seconded by Abu Umoru (Apa).
With no counter-nominations, Emberger was sworn in by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande.
In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker commended his predecessor for his service and pledged an inclusive leadership.
“This leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, fairness and respect for diverse opinions,” Emberger said. “This House, under my watch, will work harmoniously with the executive and judiciary while maintaining our independence in line with the principle of separation of powers.”
Earlier, Dajoh, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 24, whoch he addressed to the Clerk of the House.
Dajoh expressed appreciation to his colleagues for their support during his tenure, saying his decision was made “in good faith.”
“I write to resign my position as the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly effective today, 24 August, 2025. This is done in good faith and in the interest of the state,” the letter read in part.
Dajoh, who represents Gboko West State Constituency, pledged continued commitment to his legislative duties despite stepping down from the leadership of the Assembly.
