By Michael AMAJAMA
A suspended member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Alfred Emberga, on Sunday emerged the new Speaker of the assembly.
Emberga represents Makurdi North State Constituency.
The new Speaker was one of four lawmakers suspended for six months last Thursday over the allegation of attempting to impeach the former Speaker, Mr. Hyacinth Dajoh.
However, in a dramatic twist, an emergency sitting was convened on Sunday afternoon, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Lami Ogenyi where a resignation letter by Dajoh was read on his stepping down from the role.
During the session, the Majority Leader, Mr. Saater Tiseer, moved a motion for the recall and forgiveness of the suspended members. The motion was seconded by Mr. Peter Ipusu of Katsina-Ala West Constituency.
Subsequently, the Clerk of the House, Mr. John Hwande, read a resignation letter from Mr. Dajoh. The House adopted the letter and immediately moved to elect a new Speaker.
Mrs. Ogenyi called for nominations, during which Mr. Douglas Akya of Makurdi South nominated Mr. Emberga. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Abu Umoru of Apa Constituency. Emberga accepted and was promptly sworn in as Speaker.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Emberga paid tribute to his predecessor, commending his courage and respect for the legislature in resigning.
He pledged to lead with inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions, while ensuring that the House maintains a harmonious working relationship with the Executive and Judiciary without compromising its independence.
Dajoh’s resignation was contained in a letter he personally signed, dated August 24, 2025, titled; ‘Resignation As The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly,’ reads in part, “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.”
At that time, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, dissociated the governor from the impeachment plot.
The statement partly reads, “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.”
