JUST IN: State Assembly Speaker Resigns

The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has resigned from office.

His resignation was contained in a letter he personally signed, dated August 24, 2025, and made available to journalists. In the letter titled “Resignation As The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly,” Dajoh said the decision was taken in good faith and in the best interest of the state. He thanked his colleagues for the opportunity to serve as the first among equals and pledged to remain committed to his duties as the lawmaker representing Gboko West State Constituency.

The development comes just days after four lawmakers—Alfred Berger of Makurdi North, Terna Shimawua of Kian, Cyril Ekong of Obi, and James Umoru of Apa—were suspended for six months following an alleged attempt to impeach Dajoh. The motion for their suspension was moved by the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, who accused them of trying to destabilize the Assembly. The suspended members were later escorted out of the chamber, and Dajoh appointed Audu Elias as the new spokesperson of the House to replace Berger.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has since denied having any involvement in the reported impeachment plot. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said he was not aware of and had no role in any attempt to remove the Speaker. He described his relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly as cordial and assured of his support for the legislature in the discharge of its duties.

The Assembly has also been in the news over the screening of commissioner nominees. While six nominees were confirmed, the lawmakers rejected the nomination of law professor Timothy Ornguga after four petitions were raised against him by his former students, along with concerns over his academic credentials, including the absence of a primary school certificate. Another nominee, James Dwen, was also rejected, with the House asking the governor to forward replacements.