In a dramatic turn of events, the Benue State House of Assembly has elected a new speaker, Alfred Emberger, following the resignation of former Speaker Aondona Dajoh.
This comes just two days after Emberger was one of four members suspended for allegedly trying to oust Dajoh.
At an emergency plenary session on Sunday, presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Danaldi-Ogenyi, the House voted to lift the suspension on all four members.
The motion to reinstate the suspended members was put forward by Majority Leader Saater Tiseer and seconded by Samuel Jiji of the Logo state constituency.
The Deputy Speaker said: “Following the motion raised by the majority leader and supported by members of the house, this house has resolved to lift the suspension of the four members.”
Following the reinstatement of the four suspended members, they were escorted back into the chamber, and the process to elect a new speaker began.
Douglas Akyaa, a member representing the Makurdi South state constituency, nominated Alfred Emberger for the position, a motion that was seconded by Abu Umoru of the Apa state constituency.
With no other nominations put forward, Emberger was sworn in by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande.
In his acceptance speech, the new speaker praised his predecessor, Aondona Dajoh, for his dedication to the progress of the House and the people of the state.
“To my esteemed colleagues, I assure you that this leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, fairness and respect for diverse opinions.
“This house under my watch will work harmoniously with the executive and judiciary while maintaining our independence in line with the principle of separation of powers,” he said.
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