The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended its immediate past Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, for three months over allegations of plotting an impeachment move against Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The suspension followed a motion moved during plenary on Tuesday by Terna Emmanuel, representing Vandeikya II Constituency. Emmanuel alleged that Dajoh convened some lawmakers at his residence last Thursday, where the impeachment plan was discussed.
He urged the House to suspend the former Speaker for six months “to allow him rethink his actions.” The motion, however, was seconded by Abu Umoru of Apa Constituency, who noted that previous suspensions had been imposed on members for similar offences.
Ruling on the matter, the new Speaker, Alfred Embe, declared:
“We condemn in strong terms the action of the former Speaker and hereby suspend him for three months.”
Meanwhile, the Assembly confirmed two commissioner nominees—Dr. Timothy Yangien Ornguga and James Dwen—who had earlier been rejected under Dajoh’s leadership.
Reading Governor Alia’s resubmission letter, Speaker Embe explained that neither nominee had been convicted or indicted by any court of law.
“Our duty is to screen and make recommendations. They are going to be staff of the governor through whom they will serve the state,” Embe said before announcing their confirmation.
In another resolution, the House recommended that Governor Alia lift the suspension earlier imposed on three government officials: Dr. Grace Adagba, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board; Maxwell Ogiri, Executive Chairman of Otukpo LGA; and Michael Upper, Executive Secretary of the State Lottery and Sporting Board.
The lawmakers said their recommendation was based on apology letters tendered by the affected officials.
“To err is human and forgiveness is divine. Since they have realised their errors, I believe they can no longer undermine this House. We urge the governor to lift the suspension,” Speaker Embe ruled.
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