The Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday, during an emergency plenary session, elected Hon. Alfred Berger, member representing Makurdi North Constituency, as its new Speaker following the resignation of Hon. Aondona Dajoh, member representing Gboko West Constituency.
Hon. Dajoh, in his resignation letter dated August 24, 2025, said his decision to step down was in good faith and in the best interest of the state.
The members resolved to set aside its rules to enable the election of a new leader.
The emergence of the new Speaker came shortly after the House unanimously lifted the suspension placed on him and three other members last Friday, following their alleged attempt to unseat Dajoh.
The new Speaker, who was sworn in during the session presided over by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lami Ogenyi, assured lawmakers of his commitment to work in unity with his colleagues, including the immediate past Speaker, to advance the state’s development agenda.
“I consider this a call to service and a renewed responsibility to lead with fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.
“My focus will be on stabilizing the House, healing past divisions, and working hand in hand with Governor Hyacinth Alia, my colleagues, and the people of Benue to deliver on our legislative mandate.
“I hold no grudges. The task before us now is to unite, legislate effectively, and support the executive in driving policies that benefit our people,” Berger said after his election.
He explained that challenges encountered in the past were part of legislative politics and should not stand in the way of collective progress.
Berger, who previously served as the House spokesperson before his suspension, emphasized that his leadership would prioritize reconciliation.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, distanced himself from speculations linking him to the leadership change, stressing that the process was purely internal to the assembly.
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