The Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday elected Alfred Emberger as its new speaker, following the resignation of former speaker Aondona Dajoh.
Emberger is one of four members who had been suspended last Friday for their attempt to remove the former speaker. During a Sunday plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Danaldi-Ogenyi, the house resolved to lift the suspension on the four members.
Majority Leader Saater Tiseer, describing the session as an emergency meeting, moved a motion to lift the suspension, which was seconded by Samuel Jiji of Logo State Constituency. The deputy speaker confirmed the resolution, stating, “Following the motion raised by the majority leader and supported by members of the house, this house has resolved to lift the suspension of the four members.”
After their reinstatement, the four members rejoined the chamber, and the nomination for the new speaker was announced. Douglas Akyaa of Makurdi South State Constituency nominated Emberger, with Abu Umoru of Apa State Constituency seconding the motion. With no other nominations, Emberger was sworn in by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande.
In his acceptance speech, Emberger praised the former speaker for his service and commitment to the house and the people of Benue State. He assured members that his leadership would be “anchored on inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions.”
Emberger added, “This house under my watch will work harmoniously with the executive and judiciary while maintaining our independence in line with the principle of separation of powers.”
