The Benue State House of Assembly witnessed fresh political drama on Tuesday as lawmakers suspended the immediate-past Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, over an alleged plot to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The decision came just days after Dajoh’s unexpected resignation as Speaker, raising eyebrows across the state’s political space. His suspension, however, adds a new twist to Benue’s turbulent legislative affairs.
Why Dajoh Was Suspended
According to his colleagues, the former Speaker was accused of masterminding a move to remove Governor Alia from office.
Lawmakers described the alleged impeachment plot as destabilizing and potentially harmful to Benue’s fragile political order.
The motion for Dajoh’s suspension was raised by Terna Shimawua, member representing Kyan Constituency, and seconded by James Umoru of Apa Constituency.
In a dramatic turn, Shimawua was one of the lawmakers suspended by Dajoh last week before the latter’s resignation.
Presiding over the tense plenary, the new Speaker, Alfred Berger, ruled in favor of the motion and announced a three-month suspension for Dajoh.
Although some members had initially pushed for six months, Berger reduced the sanction.
Notably, the decision was carried out without the customary voice vote, breaking from tradition and highlighting the tense atmosphere in the chamber.
Assembly Reverses Dajoh’s Decisions
The day’s session did not end with Dajoh’s suspension.
Lawmakers also moved to reverse some of his previous decisions, particularly the rejection of nominees sent by Governor Alia.
Among those revisited was Timothy Yangien Ornguga, a law lecturer at Benue State University, who had been previously rejected as commissioner.
Alongside him, James Dwem was also reconsidered. In a fresh letter, Governor Alia urged lawmakers to review their stance, stressing that neither nominee had been convicted of any wrongdoing despite petitions against them.
In what appeared to be a show of newfound alignment with the executive, the Assembly confirmed both nominees without resistance.
Signs of Political Realignment
In addition, the Assembly lifted the suspension of three officials previously sanctioned by the governor: Grace Adagba, Chairman of SUBEB; Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government; and Michael Uper, Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Board.
These moves point toward a political realignment between the legislature and Governor Alia’s administration, following weeks of strained relations and power struggles.
What This Means for Benue Politics
The suspension of ex-Speaker Aondona Dajoh highlights the fluid nature of Benue politics.
While the Assembly now appears to be aligning with the executive, Tuesday’s events suggest that political intrigues in the state are far from settled.
For many observers, the unfolding drama raises pressing questions: is the Assembly finally stabilizing under Speaker Berger, or is this simply another chapter in Benue’s ongoing political battles?
👉 What’s your take on the suspension of Aondona Dajoh?
Do you think it signals stability or more political storms ahead? Share your thoughts below.
Leave a Reply