Alfred Emberga Takes Oath as Benue State House of Assembly Speaker

In a significant political development, Hon. Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North Constituency, was sworn in as the new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The election followed the resignation of the former Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, and took place during an emergency plenary session led by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lami Ogenyi.

A New Chapter for Benue’s Legislature

Emberga’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Benue State House of Assembly, as he steps into the leadership role with a promise to foster unity and drive progress. Addressing lawmakers after his swearing-in, Emberga described his new position as “a call to service” and vowed to lead with fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.

“My priority is to stabilize the House, mend past divisions, and collaborate closely with Governor Hyacinth Alia, my fellow lawmakers, and the people of Benue to fulfill our legislative responsibilities,” Emberga stated.

Background of the Leadership Transition

The leadership change comes on the heels of a turbulent period in the Assembly. Last Friday, the House lifted suspensions imposed on Emberga and three other members, who had been accused of attempting to remove Dajoh from the Speaker’s seat. To facilitate the election of a new leader, the Assembly temporarily set aside its procedural rules, allowing for a seamless transition.

In his resignation letter dated August 24, 2025, Hon. Aondona Dajoh explained that his decision to step down was made in good faith and in the best interest of Benue State. Dajoh, who represents Gboko West Constituency, reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents despite relinquishing the Speaker’s role.

Emberga’s Vision for Unity and Progress

Before his suspension, Emberga served as the Assembly’s spokesperson, a role that equipped him with the experience to navigate the complexities of legislative leadership. In his inaugural address, he emphasized reconciliation, stating, “Challenges in the past are part of legislative politics, but they should not hinder our collective progress. I hold no grudges, and my focus is on uniting this House to legislate effectively.”

Emberga also pledged to work closely with the executive arm of the government to implement policies that directly benefit the people of Benue. His leadership is expected to prioritize collaboration and policy-driven governance to address the state’s developmental needs.

Governor Alia Distances Himself from Leadership Change

Speculation surrounding the leadership transition has been rife, but Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, clarified that the change was an internal decision of the Assembly. The governor’s office emphasized that Alia had no involvement in the process, dispelling rumors of external influence.

What Lies Ahead for Benue’s Assembly

As Alfred Emberga takes the helm, all eyes are on how he will steer the Benue State House of Assembly toward stability and productivity. His commitment to reconciliation and collaboration signals a promising start, but the challenges of unifying a previously divided House and delivering on legislative promises remain critical tasks.