The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended its former Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, for three months over an alleged plan to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Dajoh Suspended After Resignation
Dajoh resigned as Speaker on Sunday but faced disciplinary action two days later. Terna Shimawua, member representing Kyan Constituency, moved the motion to suspend him, and James Umoru from Apa Constituency seconded it.
Ironically, Dajoh had suspended Shimawua and other lawmakers before resigning. The current Speaker, Alfred Berger, reviewed the suspension from six months to three months and ruled without the usual voting process.
Assembly Reverses Earlier Decision
In a surprising move, the Assembly also reversed its rejection of Timothy Yangien Ornguga, a law lecturer at Benue State University. He was nominated by Governor Alia as commissioner but turned down last week under Dajoh’s leadership.
Berger, while reading a letter from Governor Alia, announced the screening and clearance of five additional nominees, including Ornguga. Another previously rejected nominee, James Dwem, was also confirmed.
Governor Alia defended his nominees, stressing that neither Ornguga nor Dwem had any criminal convictions despite petitions against them. Lawmakers who had earlier opposed their confirmation remained silent, allowing the new Speaker to approve them without a voice vote.
Suspensions Lifted on Key Officials
The Assembly also reinstated three political office holders suspended earlier by Governor Alia. They include:
Grace Adagba, Chairperson of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board
Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government
Michael Uper, Secretary of the State Lottery Board
Political Tensions Continue
The suspension of Dajoh and the reversal on nominees highlight the shifting alliances within the Benue Assembly. Analysts believe the developments may shape the balance of power between Governor Alia and the legislature in the coming months.
