..as former Speaker tenders resignation
The Benue State House of Assembly has elected Mr. Alfred Emberga representing Makurdi North State Constituency as its new Speaker.
Mr. Berger emergence following the resignation of the former Speaker, Mr. Hyacinth Dajoh who resigned his position Sunday through a letter to the Clerk of he House.
The new Speaker was the arrow head of the group of four lawmakers who Thursday plotted the impeachment of the former Speaker.
They were Friday suspended for three months for initiating the impeachment of the former Speaker
However, in a sudden twist, an emergency sitting of the House was summoned Sunday afternoon, presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mrs. Lami Ogenyi.
During sitting the Majority Leader, Mr. Saater Tiseer moved a motion for the forgiveness and recall of the suspended four members and the motion was seconded by Peter Ipusu of Katsina-Ala West State Constituency.
Thereafter the Clerk of the House, Mr. John Hwande read on the floor of the House a letter addressed to him by the Speaker tendering his resignation.
The House adopted the letter and moved to elected a new Speaker.
The presiding Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Lami Ogenyi called for nominations. Mr. Douglas Akya representing Makurdi South State Constituency nominated Mr. Emberga which was seconded by Mr. Abu Umoru of Apa State Constituency.
The presiding Speaker urged Mr. Emberga to respond to his nomination. He accepted his nomination and was immediately sworn in as the new Speaker.
In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker paid tribute to his predecessor for his leadership and decision to resign.
He acknowledge the weight of his new office and the expectations of the people of the state who he said “look up to us to provide sound laws, effective oversight, and quality representation.”
While commending his predecessor, the new Speaker lauded him “for his service and commitment to the progress of this House and to the people of Benue State. His decision to resign, though, may be difficult, reflects his courage and respect for the institution of the legislature. We shall continue to build on the foundation he has laid as we move forward together.”
He assured that his leadership would be anchored on “inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions. The House under my watch will work harmoniously with the Executive and Judiciary, while maintaining our independence, in line with the principle of separation of powers. Together, we shall ensure that the dignity and integrity of this Assembly is upheld
at all times.”
“I call on all members to join hands with me in unity of purpose. Our people are yearning for development, peace, and good governance. It is our duty to rise above personal interests and partisan divides, to make laws that will improve lives, strengthen institutions, and advance the overall progress of Benue State.”
The former Speaker, Mr. Hyacinth Dajoh had in a hand written letter to the Clerk of the House tendered his resignation amid heightening tension in the House
Recall that the House had at Friday’s plenary slammed three months suspension on four members for allegedly initiating impeachment moves against the Speaker.
Those suspended included the spokesman of the House and now new Speaker Mr. Alfred Emberga representing Makurdi North State Constituency, Cyril Ekong of Oju 2, Abu Umoru of Apa, and Shimawua Terna of Kyan State Constituency
The suspension of the four members had left the House in crisis, and further heightening tension in the Assembly amid calls for the then Speaker to resign.
The former Speaker in a letter to the Clerk of the House dated August 24, 2025 tendered his resignation.
Part of the letter read “I write to resign my position as the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly effective today, 24 August, 2027.
“This is done in good fate and in the 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 legislature and representative of Gboko West State Constituency.”
The unanimous election of the new Speaker was carried out amid tight security at the Benue State Assembly complex.
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