The Benue State House of Assembly has elected Honorable Alfred Emberga, the representative for Makurdi North Constituency, as its new Speaker following the resignation of former Speaker Hon. Aondona Dajoh. Emberga was sworn in during an emergency plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Lami Ogenyi on Sunday.
Emberga, who had previously served as the House spokesperson and was among four lawmakers suspended for an alleged attempt to unseat Dajoh, assured members of his commitment to unite the House and advance the state’s development agenda. He described his new role as a call to service and emphasized the importance of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in leadership.
His inaugural speech highlighted the need to stabilize the House, heal past divisions, and collaborate effectively with the executive arm led by Governor Hyacinth Alia. Emberga said, “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.”
The new Speaker also commended his predecessor for his service and described Dajoh’s resignation as a courageous act done in the best interest of the state. Dajoh’s resignation letter, dated August 24, 2025, expressed appreciation to his colleagues and reaffirmed his dedication to representing Gboko West Constituency despite stepping down as Speaker.
The transition followed the lifting of suspension on Emberga and the three other suspended members, which paved the way for his election during the emergency session. Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, clarified that the leadership change was an internal process of the Assembly and not influenced by the executive.
Emberga's leadership is expected to focus on reconciliation and productive legislative work aimed at fostering peace, development, and good governance in Benue State.