Benue Assembly Suspends Deputy Chief Whip, Three Others Over Alleged Disruption Plot

The Benue State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh, has suspended four members—including the Deputy Chief Whip, Mr. Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North)—for three months over what was described as an attempt to incite chaos within the legislature.

Also suspended were Mr. Shimawua Emmanuel (APC/Tiev), Mr. Cyril Ikong (APC/Oju II), and Mr. Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa). The decision was reached during Friday’s plenary session in Makurdi following a motion moved by the House Majority Leader, Mr. Saater Tiseer (APC/Mbagwa), who initially called for a six-month suspension.

Tiseer expressed concern that the suspended lawmakers, shortly after the Assembly had passed a unanimous vote of confidence on its leadership and on Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration on Wednesday, August 20, allegedly attempted to undermine the house by mobilizing other members to disrupt proceedings.

“The 10th Benue Assembly, like any other legislature, is a hallowed chamber of honourable members whose words are their bonds,” Tiseer stated, adding that the alleged actions of Berger and the others were “inimical to the peaceful co-existence of the house and should not be tolerated.”

He emphasized that the Assembly “condemned in the strongest terms the dishonourable actions of Berger and his cohorts,” and recommended their suspension for engaging in conduct that could bring disrepute and internal division.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East), who described the actions as “condemnable” and warned colleagues against being influenced by non-state actors. Audu alleged that such actors had been intimidating the Speaker and the leadership of the Assembly.

Also contributing, Mr. Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) expressed disappointment, saying it was disheartening that a leader in the house would engage in actions capable of destabilizing its unity.

In his ruling, Speaker Dajoh upheld the motion and announced the suspension of the four lawmakers for three months. He also took sweeping administrative actions by dissolving all standing committees of the house.

Additionally, Mr. Elias Audu was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Information. Mr. Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South) was named the new Deputy Chief Whip, while Mr. Kennedy Angbo (APC/Otukpo-Akpa) was appointed Deputy Majority Leader.