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By Asom D Jerry.
Newly appointed Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emerga Berger, has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership approach. According to sources, the Speaker described the governor’s style as “overbearing” following a contentious closed-door meeting earlier today.
The meeting, which included the Governor and four principal members of the Assembly, has sparked concerns about the relationship between the legislative and executive arms of the state government. As reported by a post on Facebook by Asom D Jerry, “Information emerging from Makurdi indicates that the new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emerga Berger, is already expressing disappointment with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership style, which he reportedly described as overbearing.”
Clash Over Directives
The friction reportedly intensified when Governor Alia issued firm directives to the lawmakers during the meeting. These directives included the immediate lifting of the suspension placed on the SUBEB Chairman and other officials, as well as the screening and approval of commissioner nominees previously rejected by the Assembly. “It is alleged that, during the meeting, Governor Alia was said to have issued firm directives to the lawmakers that: The immediate lifting of the suspension placed on the SUBEB Chairman and other officials. – The screening and approval of commissioner nominees previously rejected by the Assembly,” the post further noted.
This move has left Speaker Emerga Berger unsettled, with sources indicating he privately voiced concerns that these demands could alienate the legislature from the people of Benue State. “The Speaker, who appeared unsettled after the meeting, reportedly lamented in private that the Governor’s demands risk pitching him and the legislature against the people of Benue State,” Asom D Jerry added.
Underlying Tensions
The disagreement hints at deeper issues within the state’s political landscape. The Speaker’s apparent disenchantment suggests a potential rift that could impact governance and legislative proceedings in the coming weeks. The post concluded with a cryptic remark, “There’s more to it than meets the eyes!!!” fueling speculation about undisclosed details surrounding the conflict.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Benue State House of Assembly and the Governor’s office for further developments. The images accompanying the post, featuring key figures in the state, underscore the gravity of this emerging political drama.
