The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has officially resigned from his position. He announced his resignation in a letter personally signed and dated August 24, 2025.
In the letter titled “Resignation As The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly,” Dajoh stated, “I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today, August 24, 2025.
This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state.” He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the opportunity to serve as Speaker and pledged to remain committed as a legislator representing Gboko West State Constituency.
Dajoh’s resignation comes days after four members of the House were suspended for six months over an alleged plot to impeach him.
The suspended lawmakers include Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa). The House described the suspension as necessary to maintain stability.
Following Dajoh’s resignation, the House swiftly elected Alfred Emberga, one of the suspended lawmakers, as the new Speaker in a peaceful and unanimous vote.
Emberga pledged to work collaboratively with members of the House to advance Benue State’s development agenda.
The Benue State House of Assembly assured that Dajoh’s resignation was based on personal principles and was not influenced by the state governor, Hyacinth Alia.
The governor has denied any involvement in the impeachment plot or interference in Assembly affairs.
During Dajoh’s tenure, the Assembly maintained a working relationship with Governor Alia, despite rejecting some of his commissioner nominees in recent sessions, including the controversial rejection of Professor Timothy Ornguga over allegations about his qualifications.
Dajoh, who served as Speaker since June 5, 2023, thanked his constituents, colleagues, Governor Alia, and his family for their support.
In his farewell message, he called for peace and unity in the state, emphasizing that the journey for progress continues.
