Photo File: Hon. Alfred Emberga, The new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly

The political atmosphere in Benue State took a decisive turn on Sunday, August 24^th, 2025 as Hon. Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North Constituency, was sworn in as the new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.

His emergence followed the resignation of Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, who stepped down in what he described as a move made in good faith and in the best interest of the state.

The emergency plenary session, which was presided over by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lami Danaldi-Ogenyi, saw the Assembly set aside its rules to facilitate Emberga’s election, barely 48 hours after the House unanimously lifted the suspension placed on him and three other lawmakers over an alleged attempt to unseat the former Speaker.

Addressing the chamber shortly after taking the oath of office, Hon. Emberga declared his readiness to lead with fairness, inclusivity, and transparency, describing his new role as “a call to service and a renewed responsibility.” He assured his colleagues of his commitment to stabilising the House, healing past divisions, and working in synergy with Governor Hyacinth Alia, fellow legislators, and the people of Benue to deliver on the Assembly’s legislative mandate. “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 stated, striking a reconciliatory tone that resonated across party lines.

Hon. Dajoh, in his resignation letter dated August 24, 2025, pledged to remain committed to his duties as the representative of Gboko West Constituency, even as he bowed out of the leadership position. His decision, though unexpected, was received with calm and maturity by members of the Assembly, who moved swiftly to ensure a seamless transition.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, distanced himself from speculations linking him to the leadership shake-up, stressing that the process was purely internal to the Assembly. He congratulated the new Speaker and expressed confidence in his ability to foster unity and uphold democratic values.

With Emberga now at the helm, political observers say the Benue Assembly has entered a new phase—one that promises reconciliation, legislative independence, and a renewed focus on development. The spotlight now