Benue State House of Assembly
Benue State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh, has taken decisive action by suspending four members, including Deputy Chief Whip Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North), for three months due to their alleged involvement in disruptive activities within the chamber.
The other suspended lawmakers are Emmanuel Shimawua (APC/Tiev), Cyril Ikong (APC/Oju II), and Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa).
The suspensions were prompted by a motion from Majority Leader Saater Tiseer (APC/Mbagwa) during a plenary session on Friday in Makurdi. Tiseer proposed a six-month suspension, citing the members’ attempts to destabilize the assembly. “The 10th Benue Assembly is a revered institution where members’ words are their bond,” Tiseer stated, emphasizing the sanctity of the legislative body. He noted that just days after the house passed a vote of confidence in its leadership and Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration on August 20, the suspended members allegedly conspired to incite unrest.
Tiseer condemned their actions as “detrimental to the harmony of the house” and urged the assembly to take a firm stand against such behavior. His motion was supported by Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East), who criticized the members for allowing external influences to manipulate them.
“We must not permit non-state actors to intimidate the speaker or undermine the house’s leadership,” Audu asserted.
Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) expressed disappointment, particularly over Berger’s involvement, noting, “It is disheartening that a leader in this house would engage in actions that threaten our unity.”
Following deliberations, Speaker Dajoh ruled in favor of a three-month suspension for the four members.
In a further shake-up, Dajoh dissolved all standing committees and announced new appointments. Elias Audu was named Chairman of the Information Committee, while Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) was appointed the new Deputy Chief Whip, and Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpo-Akpa) became the new Deputy Majority Leader.
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