Benue Assembly Suspends Former Speaker Dajoh Amid Political Tensions.
The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended its former Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, for three months, just days after his resignation, over allegations of orchestrating a plot to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia. The decision, taken during a plenary session on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, in Makurdi, underscores ongoing political rifts within the state’s legislative body and has sparked widespread discussion about leadership dynamics in Benue’s government.
The suspension followed a motion moved by Terna Shimawua, the lawmaker representing Kyan State Constituency, and seconded by James Umoru of Apa State Constituency. Notably, Shimawua was among four lawmakers suspended by Dajoh the previous week for allegedly attempting to unseat him as Speaker, a move that preceded his resignation on 24 August 2025. The new Speaker, Alfred Berger, who presided over the session, reduced the proposed six-month suspension to three months, bypassing the customary vote, a decision that has raised eyebrows among observers.
Dajoh’s resignation letter, addressed to the clerk of the Assembly, cited his decision to step down as being “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.” He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the opportunity to serve as Speaker but has since faced accusations of destabilising the Assembly. The suspension bars him from participating in legislative activities, though he remains a representative of Gboko West State Constituency.
In a surprising turn during the same session, the Assembly reversed its earlier rejection of Timothy Yangien Ornguga’s nomination as a commissioner. Ornguga, a law lecturer at Benue State University, had been blocked under Dajoh’s leadership due to petitions questioning his credentials. Speaker Berger, reading a letter from Governor Alia, confirmed Ornguga and four other nominees, noting that none had criminal convictions. The House also lifted suspensions on three political appointees, including Grace Adagba, Chairperson of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, signalling a shift in legislative priorities.
The rapid developments have fuelled speculation about deeper political divisions within Benue’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, has denied any involvement in the alleged impeachment plot against Dajoh, emphasising a “cordial and productive” relationship with the Assembly. Analysts suggest the suspension reflects a broader struggle for influence, with the Assembly’s actions aimed at consolidating support for the governor’s agenda.
The Benue Assembly’s moves have drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the swift resolution of internal conflicts and others questioning the procedural irregularities in Dajoh’s suspension. As the state navigates these turbulent political waters, the focus remains on how these changes will impact governance and development in Benue.