Hon. Aondona Dajoh formally resigned as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly on August 24, 2025, stating the decision was made “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”
His resignation came amid escalating political tension within the Assembly. Just days before, four lawmakers were suspended over allegations of plotting to impeach him.
According to insiders, Dajoh faced mounting resistance from colleagues and likely sought to preempt a more damaging showdown. This internal friction is thought to be the primary driver behind his decision to step down.
An impeachment attempt had recently been initiated and thwarted, followed by the suspension of four lawmakers believed to be behind it.
Tension followed after the House rejected two commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Hyacinth Alia. Some speculated this rebuff may have irked the governor, although he publicly denied any role in the impeachment attempts.
Rather than face renewed internal conflict, Dajoh appears to have chosen a voluntary exit—a move in keeping with his stated principle of acting in the state’s best interests.
The Assembly’s spokesperson, Elias Audu, confirmed that the resignation was voluntary and not coerced, emphasizing that it reflected the collective will and preserved peace within the House.
At an emergency plenary session chaired by the Deputy Speaker, members unanimously elected Hon. Berger Emberga, representative for Makurdi North, as the new Speaker. Emberga assured continuity by pledging to collaborate with Dajoh and other lawmakers to advance Benue’s development agenda.
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