Summary
The lingering turmoil within the Benue State House of Assembly intensified on Monday after the current Speaker, Alfred Berger, announced another six-month extension to the suspension of former Speaker Aondona Dajoh, prolonging an already heated political confrontation.
The decision followed a motion raised by Terna Shimawua, who represents the Kyan State Constituency in Vandeikya Local Government Area, and supported by Simon Gabo of the Mata State Constituency in Ushongo Local Government Area. Both lawmakers insisted the extension was warranted due to Dajoh’s refusal to demonstrate remorse or offer an apology for what he was accused of—an attempt to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.
When the motion was presented, the Assembly adopted it through a voice vote, a method that has increasingly become its primary approach for enforcing disciplinary measures. According to the House, Dajoh not only failed to repent but allegedly partnered with the recently suspended former Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, during his earlier three-month suspension to orchestrate a fresh plot aimed at removing Speaker Berger from office.
Without an intervention or political settlement similar to the one that influenced the earlier reduction of his first suspension, Dajoh may end up serving as much as nine months away from the Assembly in 2025. This development leaves constituents of Gbemacha (Gboko West) without their elected representative for a prolonged period.
Background to the Suspension
The crisis traces back to August, when the Assembly first sanctioned Dajoh with a three-month suspension over accusations that he spearheaded a move to oust Governor Alia. That earlier motion was also initiated by Terna Shimawua and seconded by James Umoru of Apa State Constituency.
Ironically, Shimawua—who triggered the initial motion—had been suspended by Dajoh barely a day before Dajoh stepped down as Speaker. After Berger assumed leadership, he revisited Dajoh’s case and reduced the suspension from six months to three, despite bypassing the customary House vote that typically accompanies such actions.
In a separate development, the Assembly reversed an earlier decision and confirmed Timothy Yangien Ornguga as commissioner after he was previously rejected under Dajoh’s leadership. Ornguga, a lecturer at Benue State University, had been nominated alongside James Dwem. Despite petitions filed against them, Governor Alia insisted both individuals had not been found guilty of any offense. Notably, lawmakers who once resisted their approval did not raise any objections when Speaker Berger cleared their confirmations without a voice vote.
The Assembly also reinstated three government officials earlier suspended by the Governor: Grace Adagba, head 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 battle involving Aondona Dajoh has become a major fault line within the Benue Assembly, reflecting a broader struggle for influence tied to Governor Alia’s political direction.
With his suspension now stretched to nine months, the ordeal not only sidelines a former Speaker but also deepens divisions in the legislature while leaving his constituents temporarily voiceless.
