The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four lawmakers for six months after they allegedly attempted to impeach Speaker Aondona Dajoh on Thursday night.
The affected members are Alfred Berger of Makurdi North, Terna Shimawua of Kian constituency, Cyril Ekong of Obi constituency, and James Umoru of Apa constituency.
Their suspension was announced during Friday’s sitting.
Majority Leader Saater Tiseer raised a motion of urgent importance, accusing the four lawmakers of plotting to destabilize the assembly with what he described as an unnecessary crisis.
The House adopted the motion, and the Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended lawmakers out of the chambers.
The suspension also triggered changes in leadership positions. Berger, who previously served as the Assembly’s spokesperson, was replaced by Audu Elias on the directive of Speaker Dajoh.
Tension had been brewing in the Benue Assembly in recent weeks, with divisions among members deepening over political alignments and governance issues.
Thursday night’s failed impeachment move reportedly escalated the crisis, leading to Friday’s disciplinary action.
The suspension marks another turbulent chapter in the state’s politics.
In recent months, the Benue Assembly has clashed over commissioner nominations, governance direction, and security concerns across the state.
Observers fear the latest crisis could distract the House from tackling pressing issues, including widespread insecurity and economic hardship facing residents.
Political analysts also warn that the suspension may further polarize members and deepen divisions in the ruling structure of the Assembly.
The development adds to Benue’s growing list of political confrontations, highlighting the fragile relationship between lawmakers and leadership in the state.