Benue Assembly Independent, Not Under Governor’s Control – Spokesman

The Benue State House of Assembly has dismissed speculations that Governor Hyacinth Alia influenced the resignation of its Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, insisting that lawmakers remain independent and uncoerced in their decisions.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, the Assembly spokesperson, Elias Audu, stressed that the development was rooted in Dajoh’s personal conviction rather than executive pressure.

“I’m convinced that the Speaker resigned based on personal principle,” Audu said.

“If the governor had an interest, whatever it is, it is not within the knowledge of the Assembly. The members are independent-minded; you can’t coerce them.”

On Sunday, Dajoh had stepped down in a letter saying his decision was in good faith and in the best interest of Benue State. His resignation came days after the Assembly rejected two commissioner nominees presented by the governor, sparking rumours of executive-legislative friction.

Audu, however, described the transition as smooth, stressing that Dajoh’s exit represented the “collective will of members”.

“The immediate past Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, voluntarily resigned. He came, he saw, he conquered, and he did his best for the peace and development of the state,” he noted.

“When he said this is the time to quit, we said one of our colleagues should step in. That was why the House unanimously voted Honourable Berger Emberga in a peaceful atmosphere. The proceeding was devoid of crisis.”

The spokesperson also underscored the legislature’s independence, recalling that lawmakers had earlier turned down the governor’s commissioner nominees.

“Most of the policies the governor wants to do, if we think they are not in the interest of the people, we will tell him,” Audu added.

“Since the inauguration of the House in 2023, the House has been at peace. However, in politics, there are different interests.”

Meanwhile, Governor Alia has denied any involvement in the Speaker’s resignation, maintaining that his relationship with the Assembly remains cordial and focused on development.

Following Dajoh’s resignation, Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi presided over an emergency plenary where members suspended the rules to elect Emberga, who represents Makurdi North, as the new Speaker. Emberga, recently reinstated after being suspended over an alleged impeachment plot, pledged to work with Dajoh and other lawmakers to advance the state’s agenda.

The Assembly had last week rejected Prof Timothy Ornguga and James Dwen as commissioner nominees after four petitions were raised against Ornguga, including claims that he lacked a primary school certificate.

Lawmakers subsequently directed Governor Alia to forward replacements as both Ornguga and Dwen failed to defend petitions submitted against their nominations.

Benue Assembly Independent, Not Under Governor’s Control – Spokesman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper