The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended its immediate past Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, for three months following allegations that he conspired to orchestrate an impeachment bid against Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The motion was tabled on Tuesday by Terna Emmanuel, member for Vandeikya II Constituency, who claimed that Dajoh convened lawmakers at his residence last week to discuss the alleged plot. Emmanuel pressed for a six-month suspension “to allow him to rethink his actions,” a call seconded by Abu Umoru of Apa Constituency, who cited past precedents.
Presiding over the matter, the new Speaker, Alfred Embe, condemned the move and imposed a three-month suspension. “We condemn in strong terms the action of the former Speaker and hereby suspend him for three months,” he declared.
The sitting also reversed an earlier decision under Dajoh’s leadership by confirming two commissioner nominees, Dr. Timothy Yangien Ornguga and James Dwen, after Governor Alia resubmitted their names. Embe explained that neither man had been convicted or indicted, noting, “Our duty is to screen and make recommendations. They are going to be staff of the governor through whom they will serve the state.”
In a further move towards reconciliation, the House recommended that Alia lift suspensions on three senior officials: Dr Grace Adagba, chair of the State Universal Basic Education Board; Maxwell Ogiri, executive chair of Otukpo LGA; and Michael Upper, head of the State Lottery and Sporting Board. The officials had earlier tendered apology letters to lawmakers.
“To err is human, and forgiveness is divine,” Embe said. “Since they have realised their errors, I believe they can no longer undermine this House. We urge the governor to lift the suspension.”
