Benue Assembly Says Ex-Speaker Dajoh Resigned Voluntarily

The Benue State House of Assembly has clarified that the resignation of former Speaker Aondona Dajoh was his personal choice and not influenced by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Assembly spokesperson Elias Audu made the clarification during a Channels Television interview on Monday, stressing that lawmakers operate independently and cannot be coerced into decisions.

“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 explained. He added that Dajoh stepped down on principle, not due to political pressure.

Audu further said the resignation reflected the “collective will” of the House, pointing out that members quickly and peacefully elected Berger Emberga as the new Speaker. “The immediate past Speaker voluntarily resigned. He came, he saw, he conquered, and he did his best for the state,” he noted.

Reaffirming the independence of the legislature, Audu stressed that the Assembly maintains separation of powers. He cited the rejection of some nominees recently forwarded by Governor Alia as proof that the lawmakers act in the people’s interest.

Governor Alia had earlier denied any role in Dajoh’s exit, saying he maintains a cordial working relationship with the Assembly.

Dajoh, in his resignation letter on Sunday, said his decision was made “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.” At an emergency plenary, members unanimously elected Berger Emberga, representing Makurdi North, as Speaker.

Emberga, who was recently suspended over an alleged impeachment plot, pledged to work with Dajoh and other lawmakers to advance the state’s development.