The Benue State House of Assembly has clarified that the resignation of its former Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, was a personal choice and not influenced by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The clarification came on Monday, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where the Assembly’s spokesperson, Elias Audu, dismissed speculation of political coercion.
“If the governor had an interest, whatever it is, it is not within the knowledge of the Assembly.
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“The Speaker was doing his job, and after some time, maybe because of certain decisions, he thanked the people for their support and said it was time to go,” Audu stated.
He further explained that Dajoh’s exit was not a sign of internal crisis.
“I’m convinced that the Speaker resigned based on personal principle.
“We are in a political dispensation, but if there are political undertones, there is no fighting in the Benue Assembly. You can’t coerce members,” he said.
Reaffirming the legislature’s independence, Audu stressed that lawmakers act on collective will. “The immediate past Speaker voluntarily resigned.
He came, he saw, he conquered, and he did his best for the state.
When he said it was time to quit, members unanimously voted Honourable Berger Emberga as the new Speaker in a peaceful atmosphere,” he added.
Governor Alia had earlier denied involvement, insisting he maintains cordial relations with lawmakers and remains focused on governance.
Dajoh, in his resignation letter on Sunday, described his decision as one taken “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”
At an emergency plenary chaired by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi, members unanimously elected Berger Emberga, representing Makurdi North, as the new Speaker.
