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By Asom D Jerry, Spokesperson, Enlightened Tiv Youths (E.T.Y.)
Benue State is grappling with a deepening political crisis, fueled by allegations of contract racketeering in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the controversial rejection of Dr. Timothy Yangien Ornguga by the Benue State House of Assembly. These issues have been pinpointed as the driving forces behind the sudden removal of former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh.
According to reports, the crisis took a new turn with claims of misconduct within SUBEB. “The political crisis currently rocking Benue State has taken a new dimension, as allegations of contract racketeering in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the controversial rejection of Dr. Timothy Yangien Ornguga by the Benue State House of Assembly have been identified as the real reasons behind the sudden removal of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh,” states Asom D Jerry.
The allegations suggest that under the suspended SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagba, only ten contract lots were publicly advertised, despite the Public Procurement Act requiring full transparency in national dailies. Shockingly, it is claimed that Dr. Adagba signed over one hundred backdated award letters dated August 11, 2025, before her suspension took effect. Even after her suspension, accusations persist that she continues to interfere, issuing award letters and bypassing due process from her residence.
Tensions escalated further when Dr. Adagba allegedly ordered the CEO of Kyabiz Ltd to withdraw from SUBEB contracts after the company failed to remit a ₦350 million kickback. “Matters escalated when Dr. Adagba reportedly ordered the CEO of Kyabiz Ltd to withdraw from SUBEB contracts after the company failed to remit a ₦350 million kickback demanded by her. Following a heated confrontation, during which the governor was said to have intervened, Kyabiz eventually released ₦300 million in hard currency to placate her,” Jerry notes.
The alleged impunity has left many contractors stranded, with delayed and non-payment of executed contracts forcing some into severe financial distress, including the loss of cars and homes to loan sharks. Sources also claim Dr. Adagba awarded major contracts to a few Igbo contractors who allegedly paid kickbacks upfront before award letters were issued.
In response to mounting public outcry, the Benue State House of Assembly suspended Dr. Adagba to pave the way for a thorough investigation into SUBEB. Another flashpoint was the rejection of commissioner-nominee Dr. Timothy Yangien Ornguga, despite pressure from powerful quarters, including the Governor. “The House under Speaker Dajoh stood its ground and refused to clear Ornguga. His rejection reportedly angered forces close to the governor and set the stage for the political showdown,” Jerry explains.
Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, who listened to the voices of Benue people and sought to defend the integrity of the legislature, was sacrificed for upholding due process and accountability. Political insiders insist that his ouster was tied to these sensitive issues, not merely internal Assembly politics, though Governor Hyacinth Alia has yet to publicly comment on the link between SUBEB’s contract scandals, Ornguga’s rejection, and Dajoh’s removal.
As events continue to unfold, the people of Benue await clarity and justice. “As events continue to unfold, the people of Benue await clarity and justice on the matters of SUBEB corruption, contractor victimization, and political maneuverings within the state government,” Jerry concludes. The unfolding saga promises to keep the state on edge as investigations and political repercussions loom large.
