By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
In a dramatic turn of events at the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, the member representing Makurdi North State Constituency, has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
The swearing-in ceremony took place during an emergency sitting convened shortly after the sudden voluntary resignation of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
The session was presided over by the Speaker Pro Tempo, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lami Danladi, who assumed leadership to steer the proceedings.
Hon. Berger’s emergence as Speaker marks a significant political shift within the Assembly following his recall from a three day suspension along side three others.
Particularly, he Hon. Berger had previously faced suspension alongside three other members after attempting to move a motion for the impeachment of the former Speaker.
The suspension, viewed by many as politically charged, was later lifted by Deputy Speaker Danladi, clearing the way for Berger’s return and subsequent elevation.
Observers say the rapid developments reflect deepening divisions within the House but also highlight a strategic realignment among members.
A motion to elect Hon. Emberga representing Makurdi North was moved by Hon. Douglas Akya of Makurdi South and was seconded by Abu Umoru of Apa State Constituency.
Speaker Pro Tempo, Hon. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, who presided over Sunday’s plenary session, put it to a vote, and all members present unanimously accepted Emberga as the new Speaker.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Emberga paid tribute to the former speaker Dajoh for his contribution to law-making in the state, and pledged to carry all members along in the course of legislative duties.
Earlier, the resignation letter tendered by the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh was read on the floor of the house by the Clerk, where he was quoted as resigning in the best interest of the state as the reason.
According to the letter, the former Speaker’s resignation was done in good faith and in the best interest of the state, appreciating his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to serve as first among equals.
He pledged to remain committed to his duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko West State Constituency.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, has meanwhile extended his warm congratulations to the member representing Makurdi North State Constituency, Honourable Alfred Emberga, over his election as the new Speaker of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly (BSHA).
Governor Alia who described the process that led to the emergence of a new leader of the legislative arm of government in the State, said the election of Hon. Emberga was a testament to the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues and a reflection of his commitment and ability to uphold democratic values.
He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Honourable Emberga, the Benue State House of Assembly will continue to work tirelessly towards the formulation and enactment of laws and policies aimed at improving the quality of lives of the Benue people.
He called on the legislative arm of government to continue to maintain a strong and cordial relationship with the executive and Judiciary arms, insisting that it is only through collaboration and cooperation that the state can be able to achieve sustainable development and deliver dividends of democracy that will reach every citizen.
While appreciating the outgone Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, for his contributions as the leader of the state legislature, the Governor assured the newly elected Speaker, as well as members of the Benue State House of Assembly, of his unwavering support and commitment to continue to work together for the overall good of the state.
