The Benue State House of Assembly on Friday suspended four of its members for three months over allegations of conspiracy and attempts to destabilise proceedings by plotting to impeach the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh.
The affected lawmakers are Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga (Makurdi North Constituency), Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel (Vandeikya 2 Constituency), Hon. Cyril Ikong (Oju 2 Constituency), and Hon. Abu Umoru (Apa Constituency).
Their suspension followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer, titled: “H.M. 17: Motion to Suspend Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga (Makurdi North State Constituency) and Three Others from Legislative Duties for Attempting to Cause Chaos in the House.”
Tiseer told the House that barely three days after members unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker and the state governor on August 20, the four lawmakers allegedly mobilised colleagues in a bid to cause chaos and undermine the unity of the Assembly. He urged that their actions, which he described as dishonourable and capable of sowing acrimony, be met with suspension.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Elias Audu (Gwer East Constituency) and the Chief Whip, Hon. Peter Bendigo Ipusu (Katsina-Ala West Constituency), condemned the alleged actions of the suspended members and supported the motion.
In his ruling, Speaker Dajoh ordered the immediate suspension of the four lawmakers for three months and dissolved the House Standing Committee.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has distanced Governor Hyacinth Alia from the crisis in the Assembly. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the government dismissed speculations linking the governor to any impeachment plot.
“The governor is not aware of, and has no involvement whatsoever in, any purported attempt to remove the Speaker,” the statement read. “He holds the legislature in the highest esteem, respects the principle of separation of powers, and continues to enjoy a cordial working relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly.”
The statement further noted that Governor Alia recently acted promptly on critical resolutions transmitted to his office by the Assembly, reaffirming his commitment to cooperation for the development of Benue State.
