The Benue State House of Assembly has firmly denied claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia played any role in the recent resignation of Speaker Aondona Dajoh, stressing that the move was based solely on personal principle and not the result of political interference.
Speaking during an appearance on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme, Assembly spokesperson Elias Audu stated that the lawmakers of the Benue Assembly are “independent-minded” and cannot be influenced or coerced, either by the executive or external forces.
“The Speaker made his decision based on personal principle,” Audu said. “If the governor had an interest—whatever it might be—it is not within the knowledge of the Assembly. We don’t know. The Speaker was doing his job, and after some time, maybe due to certain decisions or reflections, he thanked the people for their support and said it was time to go.”
Audu emphasised that despite operating within a political context, the Assembly has remained united and peaceful. “This is a political dispensation; we are playing politics. But even if there are political undertones, there is no fighting in the Benue Assembly. The members are independent-minded. You can’t coerce them.”
READ ALSO: Benue assembly suspends four lawmakers over failed speaker impeachment plot
The statement comes amid growing speculation that Dajoh’s resignation, which was submitted in a letter on Sunday, may have been influenced by pressure from political actors, possibly including the governor. In his resignation letter, however, Dajoh stated clearly that his decision was made “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”
Elias Audu’s comments appear aimed at reinforcing the Assembly’s autonomy and dispelling rumours of a rift between the legislative and executive arms of government in Benue State.
The resignation of Speaker Dajoh marks a significant development in the state’s political landscape, but the House insists it remains stable and focused on its legislative duties. No successor has been officially announced as of the time of reporting.
