The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has resigned his position, paving the way for the emergence of Alfred Berger as his replacement.
Dajoh’s resignation was contained in a letter dated August 24, 2025, which he personally signed and shared with Channels Television.
In the letter titled “Resignation As The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly”, Dajoh said his decision was made “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.” He thanked his colleagues for the opportunity to serve as “first among equals” and pledged to remain committed to his legislative duties as the representative of Gboko West Constituency.
Berger Elected Speaker
Following Dajoh’s exit, the Assembly convened an emergency plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi. The lawmakers suspended their standing rules to quickly elect Berger, who represents Makurdi North Constituency, as the new Speaker.
Berger, who was only recently recalled from suspension alongside three others, received the backing of Governor Hyacinth Alia. In his acceptance speech, he promised to work with Dajoh and his colleagues to advance the development of Benue State.
Suspended Lawmakers
Only two days earlier, Berger, along with Terna Shimawua (Kian Constituency), Cyril Ekong (Obi Constituency), and James Umoru (Apa Constituency), had been suspended for six months.
The suspension followed an alleged attempt to impeach Dajoh. The House Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, had moved the motion accusing the lawmakers of trying to destabilise the Assembly. They were subsequently escorted out of the chambers by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Governor Denies Involvement
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has distanced himself from the leadership tussle. His Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, in a statement, stressed that the governor had “no hand” in any attempt to remove Dajoh, adding that he maintains a cordial working relationship with the Assembly.
Commissioner Nominee Rejected
The development comes just a day after the Assembly screened commissioner nominees, confirming six but rejecting Prof. Timothy Ornguga following four petitions against him, including allegations that he lacked a primary school certificate.
Another nominee, James Dwen, was also rejected after failing to adequately defend himself against petitions raised during the screening.
