Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
In a moment laden with symbolism and political warmth, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, on Tuesday evening hosted the Forum of Former Assembly Members from the Ichongo Tiv geopolitical block (Zone A) at his private residence in Makurdi, and what was meant to be a courtesy visit quickly turned into one of the strongest public shows of cross-cultural unity the state politics has seen in years.
The 27-member delegation, led by former Speaker Rt. Hon. David Iorhemba, arrived bearing far more than goodwill; they came with a complete set of traditional Tiv regalia. Before the cameras and colleagues, they personally dressed Speaker Emberga, an Idoma son from Zone C, and his wife, Mrs. Victoria Ngodoo Emberga, in the iconic black-and-white striped Tiv anger and headgear, an act that drew prolonged applause and signalled deep acceptance of his leadership beyond party or senatorial lines.
Iorhemba, speaking on behalf of the forum, described Emberga’s emergence as Speaker of the 10th Assembly as proof of maturity and inclusiveness in Benue politics. He declared the visit a unanimous resolution to “register unwavering and unflinching support” for Emberga’s leadership, irrespective of political affiliation, and urged the Speaker to continue prioritising teamwork and harmonious working relationships with the executive arm under Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Other prominent voices in the delegation, including Chief Mrs. Theresa Dewua, Hon. Terwase Aondoakaa, Hon. Jerome Hwande, and Hon. Donald Tsetim Ayar-Gwer, echoed the same message: sustain the tempo of purposeful leadership, deepen collaboration with the governor, and keep the welfare of both serving and past lawmakers uppermost.
A visibly moved Emberga called the visit “historic and the very first of its kind in Benue State,” saying the gesture demonstrated the unity, continuity, and shared commitment to progress that the state desperately needs. He promised an open-door leadership that welcomes constructive advice from elders and former lawmakers, assuring them that the 10th Assembly under his watch will continue to make laws that directly better the lives of ordinary citizens.
Wrapping up the evening on a spiritual note, the Speaker prayed for journey mercies for his guests and asked them to keep supporting Governor Alia’s administration so that “His Excellency can accomplish the good work he is doing for Benue people.”
As the former lawmakers posed for photographs with the Emberga couple now resplendent in Tiv traditional attire, it was hard to miss the deeper message: in a state long divided by zonal suspicions, an Idoma Speaker clothed and endorsed by Tiv elders is a powerful picture of the healing and togetherness many have long prayed for.
If this is the new face of Benue’s Tenth Assembly, then the politics of division may finally be giving way to the politics of shared destiny.
