Benue Assembly Confirms 7 Commissioner Nominees and Reinstates Suspended Officials

By Ukpe Bernard, Makurdi – August 26, 2025

The Benue State House of Assembly, under the leadership of its newly elected Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, has confirmed seven commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Hyacinth Alia, including two previously rejected candidates. This significant development unfolded during a plenary session marked by intense deliberations and key leadership changes.

Confirmation of Commissioner Nominees

The commissioner nominees confirmed during the plenary include:
1. Hon. Ugwu Odoh
2. Hon. Kunde Aondowase
3. Hon. Kwaghgba Amande
4. Hon. Joseph Ter Jir
5. Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime
6. Hon. James Dwem
7. Dr. Ornguga Yangien

Notably, the nominations of Dr. Yangien and Hon. Dwem had been previously rejected under the leadership of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh. At that time, the Assembly had urged Governor Alia to submit alternative nominees to replace the two candidates. However, in a correspondence addressed to the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, read during plenary, Governor Alia appealed for a reconsideration of the two nominees. The governor argued that the petitions submitted against Dr. Yangien and Mr. Dwem were not supported by any evidence of conviction, indictment, or rulings from a competent court of law. After deliberation, the Assembly accepted the governor’s appeal and confirmed the nominations.

Suspension of Former Speaker

In a dramatic turn of events, the Assembly voted to suspend former Speaker Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh for three months. The motion for his suspension was moved by Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel, representing Kyaan state constituency, and seconded by Hon. Abu Umoru, who cited allegations of a suspicious plot to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Reinstatement of Suspended Officials

Additionally, the House reinstated Hon. Cyril Ikon of Oju II as Deputy Majority Leader. Ikon had been suspended for three months under Dajoh’s leadership, a move that many legislators viewed as politically motivated. Under the new leadership of Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, the Assembly also lifted the suspension of several key government officials. These officials, who had been suspended under the previous leadership, include:

1. Dr. Grace D. Adagba, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
2. Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government
3. The Director-General of the Lottery Board, Hon. Michael Upe

Speaker’s Remarks

Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga commended the Honourable Members of the Assembly for their diligence and commitment to fairness in the confirmation process. He urged the newly confirmed commissioners to approach their roles with a sense of duty and to serve the people of Benue State with dedication and integrity.

This series of decisions marks a significant shift in the leadership and governance dynamics of Benue State, reflecting the new Assembly’s efforts to address past disputes and move forward with a renewed focus on governance and public service.