In a surprising turn of events, Berger Emberga, one of four legislators recently handed a three-month suspension by the Benue State House of Assembly, has been elected as the new Speaker.

Emberga, who represents the Makurdi North State Constituency, secured the position during an emergency sitting held on Sunday, presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Danladi.

The session followed the sudden resignation of Hycinth Aondona Dajoh, who last week claimed there was a plot to remove him from office.

In a handwritten letter to the Assembly clerk which he also posted on his social media page Dajoh announced he was stepping aside, writing that his decision “is in good faith and in the best interest of the State.” He captioned the post, “let there be peace.”
The House has adjourned proceedings until Tuesday.

More details to follow….

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved the suspension of three top government officials, following recommendations from the State House of Assembly.

Those affected by the decision include:

Dr. Grace Adagba, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)

Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council

Mr. Michael Uper, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, confirmed the development in a statement released to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the suspension takes effect immediately and will last for a period of one month.

“In line with the resolutions passed by the House, His Excellency affirms the following:

The suspension of the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, for one month, effective from today.

“The suspension of the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Grace Adagba, for a period of one month, effective from today.

“The immediate suspension of the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Mr. Michael Uper for the period of one month, effective from today,” the statement read in part.

It will be recalled that the State Assembly had, on different occasions, recommended the suspension of the three government officials for six months each, but the recommendations were not approved by the governor.

As a result, the house thereafter declined the screening of the eight commissioner nominees forwarded to them by the governor and also vowed not to act on any correspondence emanating from the executive until the governor approves their recommendations.

Governor Alia, in the statement, further reiterated his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the principles of separation of powers.

He also commended the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional responsibilities and assured the people of the State that his administration remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The Governor urged all affected institutions to ensure seamless continuity of service delivery during this period and called on the people of the State to continue to support the government’s efforts towards building a state that works for all.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday approved the suspension of three government officials earlier recommended by the State Assembly.

The suspended government officials included the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education, Dr Grace Adagba, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Mr. Michael Uper.

This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, and made available to newsmen.

According to the statement, the suspension, which takes effect from today, will last for a period of one month.

“In line with the resolutions passed by the House, His Excellency affirms the following:

“The suspension of the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, for a period of one month, effective from today.

“The suspension of the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Grace Adagba, for a period of one month, effective from today.

“The immediate suspension of the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Mr. Michael Uper for the period of one month, effective from today,” the statement read in part.

It will be recalled that the State Assembly had, on different occasions, recommended the suspension of the three government officials for six months each, but the recommendations were not approved by the governor.

As a result, the house thereafter declined the screening of the eight commissioner nominees forwarded to them by the governor and also vowed not to act on any correspondence emanating from the executive until the governor approves their recommendations.

Governor Alia, in the statement, further reiterated his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the principles of separation of powers.

He also commended the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional responsibilities and assured the people of the State that his administration remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The Governor urged all affected institutions to ensure seamless continuity of service delivery during this period and called on the people of the State to continue to support the government’s efforts towards building a state that works for all.

Tension has enveloped Yelwata community in Benue State following a fresh gunmen attack in the early hours of Monday.

Eyewitnesses reported that the incident sparked a mass protest led by local women, who took to the streets demanding the immediate withdrawal of soldiers deployed in the area.

The protesters accused the security personnel of failing to protect residents from recurring assaults that have plagued the community.

Amid the growing unrest, the aggrieved residents also called on authorities to urgently provide transportation to Makurdi, insisting they no longer feel safe remaining in Yelwata.

“They should take us to Makurdi because the government cannot protect us,” one protester said.

The attack is coming barely two months after gunmen, believed to be herders, on June 13, stormed the community and killed between 200 people, including internally displaced persons, with many burned alive during a night of brutal violence.

The aggrieved residents also called for immediate transportation to Makurdi, insisting they no longer feel safe in the community.

“They should take us to Makurdi because the government cannot protect us,” one protester said.

The attack is coming barely two months after gunmen, believed to be herders, on June 13, stormed the community and killed between 200 people, including internally displaced persons, with many burned alive during a night of brutal violence.