Alfred Emberger Elected New Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly

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 were suspended last Friday for attempting to remove the former speaker. During a Sunday plenary session 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, moved a motion to lift the suspension, which was seconded by Samuel Jiji of Logo State Constituency. The deputy speaker said, “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 the suspension was lifted, the four members re-entered the chamber, and the nomination of the new speaker was announced. Douglas Akyaa, representing Makurdi South State Constituency, moved a motion to nominate Emberger, seconded by Abu Umoru of Apa State Constituency. With no other nominations, Emberger was sworn in by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande.

In his acceptance speech, Emberger commended his predecessor for his service and dedication 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,” adding that the assembly would work harmoniously with the executive and judiciary while maintaining its independence in line with the principle of separation of powers.