*Lawmakers Elect Emberga As New Speaker,Sworn In
By our reporter
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has distanced himself from current goings-on in the State House of Assembly where the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, resigned from the position today.
The governor’s spokesman, Tersoo Kula, stated that Alia has no hand in the power shift in the legislature as goings-on there are internal affairs of the lawmakers.
On the heels of the resignation of the Speaker, the Assembly swiftly elected a replacement.
He is Hon. Alfred Emberga, lawmaker representing Makurdi North constituency.
Emberga, who was sworn in during an emergency plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lami Ogenyi, assured lawmakers of his commitment to work in unity with his colleagues, including the immediate past Speaker, to advance the state’s development agenda.
“I consider this a call to service and a renewed responsibility to lead with fairness, inclusivity, and transparency,” Emberga said after his election.
“My focus will be on stabilizing the House, healing past divisions, and working hand in hand with Governor Hyacinth Alia, my colleagues, and the people of Benue to deliver on our legislative mandate,” he pledged.
The new Speaker’s emergence came shortly after the House unanimously lifted the suspension placed on him and three other members last Friday, following their alleged attempt to unseat Dajoh.
The chamber resolved to set aside its rules to enable the election of a new leader.
Hon. Dajoh, in his resignation letter dated August 24, 2025, said his decision to step down was in good faith and in the best interest of the state. He pledged to remain committed to his duties as the representative of Gboko West constituency.
Emberga, who previously served as the House spokesperson before his suspension, emphasized that his leadership would prioritize reconciliation.
He noted that challenges encountered in the past were part of legislative politics and should not stand in the way of collective progress.
“I hold no grudges. The task before us now is to unite, legislate effectively, and support the executive in driving policies that benefit our people,” he added.
PHOTO CAPTION: Emberga (left) being sworn in today as new Speaker.
