The political atmosphere in Benue State has been thrown into turmoil following the resignation of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, after a damning report uncovered massive financial irregularities allegedly linked to Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Although officially presented as voluntary, sources told The Informant News that Dajoh’s resignation came under intense pressure from the Governor’s camp, following the Assembly’s investigation into staggering allegations of corruption amounting to ₦117 billion.
Assembly Uncovers 42 Allegations
The House report, spearheaded by Dajoh before his ouster, detailed 42 allegations against Governor Alia. These included:
- Abuse of office and financial mismanagement
- Award of multi-billion-naira contracts without due process
- Diversion of local government funds
- Nepotism in appointments, concentrated in Vandeikya LGA
- Interference with the judiciary
- Security failures leading to mass displacement
Among the most striking revelations was a ₦73 billion road contract allegedly awarded on January 8, 2024, to Bauhaus Global Investment Nig. Ltd. without advertising, competitive bidding, budgetary allocation, or State Executive Council approval. The report further alleged that backdated documents were used to cover up the irregularity.
Other questionable projects include:
- ₦19.7 billion for the Obarike Ito–Adum East–Oju Road
- ₦307 million for 448 solar streetlights in Makurdi
- Over ₦14 billion on government vehicles
Even smaller expenditures—such as calendars and billboards—were said to have been executed without legislative approval.
Alleged Abuse of Power
The Assembly accused Governor Alia of freezing state accounts and diverting funds meant for the 23 Local Government Areas, thereby crippling their operations. It also faulted him for creating new agencies, installing loyalists, and sidelining constitutional commissioners.
The report further highlighted security lapses, noting that violent attacks displaced residents across 17 LGAs, creating 20 IDP camps. Governor Alia’s 2024 executive order banning wakes, ceremonies, and public gatherings was allegedly enforced with armed thugs, worsening tensions.
In the judiciary, he was accused of deploying loyalist groups, known as “NO ALIA, NO BENUE”, to block access to the High Court in Makurdi, preventing the Chief Judge and staff from carrying out their duties.
Appropriation Crisis
The Governor was also accused of refusing to sign the 2025 Appropriation Law, spending state funds without legislative approval despite repeated warnings from the Assembly.
Political Fallout
Fearing impeachment, Governor Alia allegedly orchestrated Dajoh’s resignation and reportedly spent ₦2 billion to secure the emergence of Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi-North, as the new Speaker.
By unseating Dajoh, Alia effectively neutralized one of his strongest challengers within the Assembly and reasserted his grip on the state’s political machinery.
The unfolding scandal continues to generate heated debates in Benue, with critics warning that the crisis reflects deeper governance failures, while supporters of the Governor insist the probe is politically motivated.
