Hon. Alfred Emberga has been sworn in as new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
The oath of office was administered on Sunday August 24, after the resignation of the former Speaker, Rt Hon. Aondona Dajoh, earlier in the day.
Hon Alfred Emberga represents Makurdi North Constituency.
His emergency comes amid political tensions in the assembly, where leadership changes have stirred debate in recent weeks.
Emberga, who was sworn in during an emergency plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker Hon Lami Ogenyi, assured lawmakers of his commitment to work 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”, Emberga said after his election.
“My focus will be on stabilising the House, healing past divisions, and working hand in hand with Governor Hyacinth Alia, my colleagues, and the people of Benue State to deliver on our legislative mandate”.
The new Speaker emergence came shortly after the House unanimously lifted the suspension placed on him and three others members last Friday, following their alleged attempt to unseat Dajoh. The other lawmakers suspended for initiating impeachment moves included Cyril Ekong (Oju 2), Abu Umoru (Apa), Shimawua Terna (Kyan).
Their suspension had throw the assembly into turmoil further fueling calls for Dajoh’s step aside.
However, the chamber resolved to set aside its rules to enable the election of a new leader. Hon, Dajoh, in his resignation letter dated Sunday August 24, 2025, said his decision to step down was in good faith and in the best interest of the state, pledging to remain committed to his duties as the representative of Gboko West Constituency.
Emberrga, who previously served as House spokesperson before his suspension, emphasized that his leadership would prioritise reconciliation. He noted that challenges encountered in the past were part of legislative politics and should not stand in the way of collective progress.
“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”, he added.
-9News Nigeria.
