Key Point

• Four lawmakers suspended for allegedly plotting to remove Benue Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh.

• Assembly reshuffles key leadership positions to tighten Speaker’s control.

• Suspended members may challenge decision, fueling deeper political rift in Makurdi.

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four lawmakers for three months, accusing them of plotting to remove Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh.

Those suspended during Friday’s plenary include Alfred Berger, the member representing Makurdi North and the Assembly’s spokesman; Cyril Ekong of Oju II; Abu Umoru of Apa; and Shimawua Terna of Kyan.

Speaker Pushes Back Against Rumoured Coup

The suspensions came after weeks of speculation that some lawmakers were quietly working to unseat Dajoh.

By moving against the four, the leadership signaled it would not allow what it described as attempts to destabilize the House.

“This Assembly cannot be reduced to a battlefield for personal ambition,” one lawmaker loyal to the Speaker said after the heated sitting.

New Appointments Made

The shake-up forced a quick reshuffle in leadership. Elias Audu has taken over as the Assembly’s new spokesman.

Kennedy Angbo was named Deputy Majority Leader, while Douglas Akya emerged as Deputy Chief Whip.

The appointments are seen as part of Dajoh’s strategy to keep his inner circle intact and secure his hold on the chamber.

Assembly Screens Commissioners, But Tensions Remain

Despite the political drama, the House went ahead with other business. Lawmakers screened several commissioner nominees sent by Governor Hyacinth Alia, though the nominations of Ogwu Odeh and Imojime Tiza were stepped down for further consideration.

The suspended members are expected to fight back, either within the Assembly or through the courts.

Analysts say the clash has deepened fault lines in Makurdi’s politics and may influence how the legislature operates in the months ahead.