The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended its immediate past Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, for three months over allegations that he plotted to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.
His suspension was triggered by a motion moved on Tuesday by Terna Shimawua, the member representing Kyan State Constituency, and seconded by James Umoru of Apa Constituency. Both lawmakers were among those Dajoh suspended last Friday before stepping down as Speaker.
Presiding over the motion, the new Speaker, Alfred Berger, reduced Dajoh’s suspension from six months to three, breaking with the usual procedure of subjecting such disciplinary actions to a vote.
Dajoh had earlier resigned as Speaker in a letter dated August 24, 2025, and personally signed by him.
The letter, titled ‘Resignation As The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly,’ formally conveyed his decision to vacate the office.
The letter stated: “This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state. I want to appreciate my dear colleagues for the opportunity they gave me to be the first among equals.
“I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko West State Constituency.”
Meanwhile, the Benue State House of Assembly, on Friday, suspended four lawmakers for six months: Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa).
The House said the suspension followed an alleged attempt to impeach Speaker Dajoh the previous night.
Moving a motion of urgent importance, Majority Leader Saater Tiseer accused the lawmakers of trying to destabilise the assembly with what he described as an unnecessary crisis.
Following the motion, the Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended members out of the chamber.
Dajoh also appointed Audu Elias as the new spokesperson for the House, replacing Berger, who previously held the position
