Benue Assembly slams another six months suspension on ex-Speaker over alleged fresh impeachment plot

By Benedicta Aboh

The Benue State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of former Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh by an additional six months, following fresh allegations of involvement in another impeachment plot.

The extension which take effect from November 25, was approved on Tuesday after a motion presented by Terna Shimawua, titled “Motion to Review the Suspension of Hyacinth Dajoh (Gboko West State Constituency) from Legislative Duties.”

Dajoh was first suspended on August 26 for three months over accusations that he attempted to orchestrate the impeachment of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

While presenting the new motion, Shimawua told the House that the former Speaker had failed to show remorse or apologise since his initial suspension. He further claimed that during the suspension period, Dajoh allegedly teamed up with former Majority Leader Saater Tiseer and former Minority Leader Michael Audu to initiate a fresh plot, this time to impeach the current Speaker, Alfred Emberga.

Shimawua condemned the alleged conduct, saying it fell short of what was expected from a former Speaker who should exhibit leadership, maturity, and respect for the institution.
“The conduct of Dajoh does not reflect the expectations of a leader, particularly following the recent change in the House leadership,” he said.

The motion received unanimous support. It was seconded by Simon Gabo of Mata State Constituency, who declared his backing “in total.”

In his remarks, Speaker Emberga stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the legislature, insisting that “nobody is bigger than an institution.” He said that at the end of the extended suspension, Dajoh would be required to formally write to the Speaker’s Office if he wished to return to legislative duties. Such a request, he added, must come with evidence of genuine remorse and a written apology.