The political drama that unfolded in the Benue State House of Assembly last week culminated in the sudden resignation of Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh and the emergence of Alfred Emberga as his successor, an episode driven by political intrigue, allegations of disloyalty, and internal power plays.
Initially backed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, Dajoh’s tenure as Speaker took a turbulent turn as he adopted an increasingly independent stance. He led the Assembly to reject some commissioner-nominees and pressured the Governor to suspend key officials — including:Dr. Grace Adagba, SUBEB Chair,Maxwell Ogiri, Otukpo LGA Chair, Michael Upper, Lottery and Sports Betting Board Secretary
These suspensions were demanded before the House agreed to resume screening commissioner-nominees — a move widely seen as challenging the Governor’s authority.
Insiders allege Dajoh was plotting to impeach Governor Alia, though he denied the claim. Others said he was laying the groundwork for a 2031 gubernatorial run, reportedly engaging with political figures across party lines.
Political analyst Francis Odiir, of CERON, criticized Dajoh’s confrontational approach:
“The House under him appeared to be on a collision course with the Executive. That move to suspend the Governor’s key appointees was reckless.”
On August 21, four members,Alfred Emberga, Cyril Ekong, Abu Umoru, and Terna Shimawua,attempted to unseat Dajoh but were suspended for three months. However, tensions remained high, and Dajoh resigned on August 24, writing:
“This is in good faith and in the interest of the state.”
Later that day, Emberga, leader of the earlier revolt, was nominated and unanimously elected as the new Speaker during an emergency sitting presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi.
In a bid to stabilize the Assembly, members:Lifted the suspensions on the four dissenters,Cleared previously rejected commissioner-nominees,Reinstated suspended appointees after reviewing their apology letters
However, a fresh motion was introduced by Terna Shimawua, accusing Dajoh of orchestrating an impeachment plot against the Governor. The House imposed a three-month suspension on Dajoh.
In a statement, Dajoh’s media aide, Terver Zamber, dismissed the impeachment claims:
“This suspension is politically motivated. Just days before his resignation, the House passed a vote of confidence in the Governor. The claims are false and unnecessary.”
Governor Alia welcomed Emberga’s emergence and praised the Assembly’s resolution of the crisis. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, he stated:
“Mr. Emberga’s election reflects the confidence of his colleagues and a commitment to democratic values.”
Alia also thanked Dajoh for his service and promised continued collaboration with the legislature.
Political observers see the Assembly shake-up as an early sign of deeper realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This is politics. As 2027 approaches, we’ll see more shifts and alliances forming,” said Odiir.
