The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has resigned from his position, citing the “best interest of the state” as the reason for his decision.
Dajoh’s resignation was conveyed in a letter he personally signed, dated August 24, 2025, and made available to Channels Television.
In the letter, titled “Resignation As The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly,” the Gboko West representative wrote:
“I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today, August 24, 2025.
This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state. I want to appreciate my dear colleagues for the opportunity they gave me to be the first among equals.
I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko West State Constituency.”
Dajoh’s resignation comes just days after the House suspended four members — Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa) — for six months.
The lawmakers had allegedly spearheaded an attempt to impeach the Speaker in a late-night move.
The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, who raised a motion of urgent importance, accused the four of attempting to destabilise the Assembly with a “needless crisis.”
The motion was unanimously adopted, and Dajoh subsequently directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended members out of the chambers.
Following Berger’s suspension, Dajoh also appointed Audu Elias as the new spokesperson of the House.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has distanced himself from the political tension in the Assembly.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said he had no role in the alleged impeachment plot.
“The governor, Hyacinth Alia, is not aware of and has no involvement whatsoever in any purported attempt to remove the Speaker or in any activities currently taking place in the Benue State House of Assembly,” the statement read.
It added that Governor Alia maintained a cordial working relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly and remained committed to supporting the legislature in carrying out its duties.
The resignation also follows a turbulent week in the Assembly. Just a day earlier, the House screened and confirmed six commissioner nominees but rejected two, including a law professor, Timothy Ornguga.
Ornguga’s nomination was struck out after four petitions were submitted against him, alleging misconduct during his years as a lecturer, as well as concerns about his qualifications.
Lawmakers, led by Tarka representative Manger Manger, queried his credentials, including the absence of a primary school certificate.
Alongside Ornguga, nominee James Dwen was also rejected after failing to adequately defend himself against allegations contained in petitions.
The House asked Governor Alia to submit replacements for both nominees.
Dajoh’s resignation is expected to reshape the leadership dynamics of the Assembly, which has been rocked in recent weeks by internal divisions, impeachment plots, and controversial legislative battles.
While he has stepped down from the top seat, Dajoh assured his constituents that he will remain fully committed to his legislative responsibilities.
His exit as Speaker raises questions about whether the recent suspension of lawmakers and rejection of commissioner nominees may have deepened divisions within the Benue political space.