JUST IN : Tension as Benue Assembly speaker resigns

The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has announced his resignation, citing the need to act “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”

His decision, which has prompted tension in the assembly, was conveyed in a letter personally signed and dated August 24, 2025.

The letter, titled “Resignation As The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly”, stated:“I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today, August 24, 2025.“This is done in good faith and in the best 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 legislator and representative of Gboko West State Constituency.”

Dajoh’s exit comes just days after four lawmakers,  Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa), were suspended for six months over an alleged plot to remove him from office.

The suspension followed an emergency motion moved by Majority Leader Saater Tiseer, who accused the lawmakers of attempting to plunge the Assembly into “a needless crisis.” Acting on the motion, Dajoh ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended members out of the chambers.

He also named Audu Elias as the House’s new spokesperson, replacing Berger.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has denied any involvement in the impeachment plot.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said:“The governor, Hyacinth Alia, is not aware of and has no involvement whatsoever in any purported attempt to remove the speaker or in any activities currently taking place in the Benue State House of Assembly.
“The governor continues to enjoy a cordial and productive working relationship with the Dajoh-led assembly and remains committed to supporting it in the discharge of its legislative duties for the overall development of Benue State.”

The Speaker’s resignation also follows a turbulent week in which the Assembly confirmed six commissioner nominees but rejected Timothy Ornguga over allegations raised in four petitions and questions surrounding his academic qualifications.

Ornguga, a law professor, was accused of lacking a primary school certificate, while another nominee, James Dwen, was similarly disqualified. The lawmakers have asked Governor Alia to submit new names to fill both positions.