Update: Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Dajoh, Resigns

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, says he has “moved on” following his resignation, while calling for peace in the state.

Dajoh, who served as Speaker from June 5, 2023, to August 24, 2025, resigned on Sunday, amid speculations of an impeachment plot by some members of the House.

His resignation paved the way for Alfred Emberga, a previously suspended lawmaker, sworn in immediately as Speaker yesterday.

In a note of appreciation posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, Dajoh thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia, members of the House, his constituents and his wife for their support during his tenure.

“It’s no longer news that I turned in a resignation letter as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, yesterday being the 24th day of August, 2025. And I have moved on,” he wrote.

The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, had earlier resigned from his position.

His resignation was contained in a letter personally signed and dated August 24, 2025, the letter, titled “Resignation as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly,” read in part:

“I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today, August 24, 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 State Constituency.”

Following his resignation, the Benue State House of Assembly held an emergency plenary session where Alfred Berger, representing Makurdi North, was elected as the new Speaker. Berger, who had been suspended last week along with three other lawmakers, had his suspension lifted to allow his election.

The session, presided over by the Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi, first set aside its operating rules to proceed with the replacement of the Speaker.Berger, who is backed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, pledged to work with Dajoh and other lawmakers to advance the development agenda of the state.

Last Friday, the Assembly suspended Berger and three other lawmakers—Terna Shimawua (Kian Constituency), Cyril Ekong (Obi Constituency), and James Umoru (Apa Constituency)—for six months, accusing them of attempting to impeach Speaker Dajoh. At that sitting, the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, moved a motion of urgent importance for their suspension, accusing the lawmakers of fueling a needless crisis.

In the wake of the suspension, Dajoh had also appointed Audu Elias as the new spokesperson of the House, replacing Berger.

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