The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday, suspended its immediate past Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, for three months over allegations of plotting to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The motion for Dajoh’s suspension was moved by Terna Shimawua, representing Kyan State Constituency, and seconded by James Umoru from Apa State Constituency.
Shimawua, who was previously suspended by Dajoh before the latter resigned as Speaker on Friday, August 22, 2025, insisted that the Assembly could not overlook what he described as “a direct threat to democratic stability in Benue.”
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In his ruling, the current Speaker, Alfred Berger, reviewed the suspension from six months to three, stressing that the Assembly would safeguard the integrity of governance.
“This House will not allow its platform to be used as a tool for destabilization. The mandate of the people must be protected at all costs,” Berger declared.
Some lawmakers backed the decision, arguing that the former Speaker’s actions had gone against legislative ethics.
James Umoru, who seconded the motion, said: “The Assembly must send a clear message that leadership positions are not for personal vendettas but for service to the state.”
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the House reversed its earlier stance and confirmed the nomination of Timothy Yangien Ornguga as a commissioner. Ornguga, a law lecturer at Benue State University, Makurdi, had initially been rejected when Dajoh presided as Speaker.
Lawmakers noted that his confirmation was part of efforts to stabilize the executive-legislative relationship.
One member commented: “Benue needs progress, not distractions. Today’s decision reflects our commitment to unity.”
