Get Guardian on GoogleThe Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended its former Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, during a tense plenary session in Makurdi.
Lawmakers did not immediately disclose the length or full details of the suspension, but the decision was taken after a motion was tabled on the floor of the chamber and carried by a majority vote. Dajoh, who had served as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly before being replaced earlier this year, was asked to step aside from legislative activities with immediate effect.
The Assembly, under the leadership of current Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh’s successor, also screened and confirmed several nominees sent by Governor Hyacinth Alia for key government positions. Among those cleared was Associate Professor Ornguga, who is expected to take up a senior role in the administration.
In a related move, the House lifted earlier suspensions placed on the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and several other officials, signalling a shift in the legislature’s stance toward previously sanctioned appointees.
The suspension of a former Speaker is rare in the history of the Benue Assembly and underscores ongoing political rifts within the chamber. Analysts say the action reflects deeper battles for influence in Governor Alia’s government and the state’s ruling party.
The Assembly is expected to release further details on the suspension and the confirmed appointments in the coming days.
