The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended former Speaker Aondona Dajoh for three months over allegations of plotting to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The suspension followed a motion moved on Tuesday by Terna Shimawua, representing Kyan State Constituency, and seconded by James Umoru from Apa State Constituency. Interestingly, Shimawua was among those suspended last week Friday by Dajoh before his resignation as Speaker.
Speaker Alfred Berger, who presided over the session, reviewed Dajoh’s suspension from six months to three without putting the matter to the usual legislative vote.
In a dramatic turnaround, the Assembly also reversed its earlier rejection of Timothy Yangien Ornguga, a law lecturer at Benue State University, confirming him as commissioner. Ornguga had previously been rejected under Dajoh’s leadership.
Berger, while reading Governor Alia’s letter, also announced the screening of five additional nominees, including Ornguga. The governor argued that both Ornguga and James Dwem, earlier rejected by the House, had not been convicted of any crime despite petitions against them, urging lawmakers to approve their nominations. This time, the Assembly confirmed them without the customary voice vote.
Additionally, the House lifted the suspension placed on three political appointees earlier removed by the governor. Those reinstated include Grace Adagba, Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board; Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government; and Michael Uper, Secretary of the State Lottery Board.
What you should know
The suspension of former Speaker Aondona Dajoh highlights the deepening political tussle in Benue State.
His fall from power has led to swift reversals of decisions made under his leadership, including the confirmation of previously rejected nominees and the reinstatement of suspended officials.
The episode underscores the Assembly’s shifting loyalties in its relationship with Governor Hyacinth Alia.
