Benue Assembly Suspends Four Lawmakers Over Failed Speaker Impeachment Plot

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four of its members for six months over an alleged attempt to impeach the Speaker, Aondona Dajoh.

Those affected are Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa).

According to the leadership of the House, the suspension followed a botched attempt by the lawmakers to unseat Speaker Dajoh on Thursday night.

The Assembly described the action of the suspended members as a direct affront to its leadership and internal order.

Confirming the decision, the House announced that the four lawmakers would not participate in legislative activities for the next six months as part of disciplinary measures.

Naija News understands that the suspension has heightened political tension within the Assembly, even as the leadership insisted that it would not tolerate acts capable of destabilising the legislature.

Meanwhile, after the suspension, the Assembly readjusted its leadership to include Kennedy Angbo as the new Deputy Majority Leader, Douglas Akya emerged as the Deputy Chief Whip, while Elias Audu secured the position of the new House Spokesman.

The House also commenced the screening of five commissioner nominees while two of the nominees, Ogwu Odeh and Imojime Tiza would have their turn on a later date.

In other news, the Edo State House of Assembly confirmed eight commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Monday Okpebholo for screening and approval on Wednesday.

Naija News reports that those cleared by the House include Barr. Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, and Prof. Omorodion Ignatius. Others are Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Eshieshi, and Prince Kassim Afegbua.

The confirmation followed the governor’s request and was processed by the House through its Committee on Rules, Business, and Governmental Affairs.

The lawmakers confirmed the nominees following the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Rules, Business and Government House, which reviewed the nominees and submitted 11 findings with a single recommendation for their clearance.

Explaining the findings, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, noted that all nominees were indigenes of Edo State and possessed the competence and experience required for the job.

He said, “I charge the new commissioners to be proactive and work in synergy with the governor to ensure that Edo State moves forward.”

Agbebaku, however, raised concerns over the gender imbalance, stressing that only one female was among the eight confirmed nominees.