Onjeh urges Assembly to end standoff, screen Alia’s nominees
Benue South APC candidate, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has urged the Benue State House of Assembly to set aside political differences and promptly screen and confirm Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commissioner nominees.
The remarks were contained in a statement issued by Comrade Daniel Onjeh, APC Candidate for Benue South Senatorial District.
According to the statement, Onjeh made the call after the Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, decided on 8 August 2025 to decline the Governor’s request to begin the screening process.
The lawmakers based their decision on unresolved issues, including the Governor’s alleged refusal to provide official vehicles to some members and failure to enforce suspension orders against certain officials.
However, Onjeh described the standoff as a political deadlock that threatens the progress of the state.
While recognising the importance of oversight, Onjeh cautioned against creating political standoffs that hold governance hostage.
He said the issues raised by the Assembly were rooted more in entitlements than constitutional requirements.
“I acknowledge the House’s good work before, but members shouldn’t damage its reputation with selfish or political motives. Separation of powers doesn’t mean any branch is perfect. If the legislature makes a wrong call, should the executive still follow it even if it harms fairness and the public?”
He urged the Speaker to remember his own political history with Governor Alia.
Onjeh reminded that there have been past efforts to undermine the Governor’s administration, including blocking funds and misusing the courts.
He warned, “We must stop the Governor’s opponents from using this House to fight him.” He also criticized those causing local government conflicts in Benue South to push their own candidates for political gain.
“In my LGA, Ogbadibo, my preferred candidate didn’t win, yet I have never sought to undermine the elected chairman. Politics should not be driven by bitterness,” he stated.
Onjeh urged APC lawmakers to put politics aside and follow the unity between President Tinubu and the National Assembly, where the majority work together to govern.
He stressed that the House can only recommend, not force the Governor to act.
“Even when the National Assembly amends the Constitution, the President has the right to veto it. Here, the Assembly’s demands fall entirely within the Governor’s discretion. The legislature’s role is to guide, not obstruct.”
Onjeh in the statement called local government disputes trivial and political and urged party members to avoid personal conflicts.
He warned against former officials trying to place allies in leadership by any means.
He urged the Assembly to allow peace and cooperation in Governor Alia’s last two years, reminding them that screening commissioners is a duty, not a bargaining tool.
“Put Benue first. Governance can’t wait,” he added.
Onjeh urges Assembly to end standoff, screen Alia’s nominees
