Get Guardian on Google• House elects axed legislator as replacement
Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, has resigned from office. Consequently, the hallowed chamber held an emergency sitting yesterday to pick a replacement.
The House unanimously elected former Deputy Chief Whip, Alfred Emberga (Makurdi North), as the new Speaker. Dajoh announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the Clerk of the Assembly yesterday.
The correspondence read: “I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today, 24th August, 2025. This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state.
“I want to appreciate my dear colleagues for the opportunity they gave me to be the first among equals. I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko West Constituency.”
Dajoh’s resignation came 48 hours after the suspension of four members of the Assembly over an alleged plot to impeach him.
The suspended lawmakers were Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North; Terna Shimawua of Kian; Cyril Ekong of Obi, and James Umoru, representing Apa Constituency.
Reacting to the suspension, Governor Hyacinth Alia had distanced himself from the controversy, saying he had no role in the alleged plot to unseat Dajoh.
Emberga and the three others were axed on Friday for what Majority Leader SaaterTiseer termed “conspiracy to cause chaos.” As at press time, it was not yet certain whether Emberga, the new Speaker. was recalled from suspension before the emergency sitting.
