FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly, on Tuesday 26th August 2025, confirmed seven commissioner nominees of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia during plenary presided over by the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi.
The seven nominees confirmed included two candidates earlier rejected under the leadership of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh. They are:
- Hon. Ugwu Odoh
- Hon. Kunde Aondowase
- Hon. Kwaghgba Amande
- Hon. Joseph Ter Jir
- Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime
- Hon. James Dwem
- Dr. Ornguga Yangien
Dr. Yangien and Hon. Dwem had been rejected by the previous Assembly leadership, which had asked Governor Alia to submit replacements.
However, in a correspondence read on the floor, Governor Alia urged the new Speaker and the House to reconsider, arguing that the petitions against the two nominees lacked evidence of conviction, indictment, or court rulings. After deliberation, the House accepted the governor’s appeal and confirmed the nominees.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga commended members for their diligence and fairness, charging the commissioners to serve with dedication and integrity.
In the same plenary, the Assembly suspended former Speaker Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh for three months. The motion, moved by Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel (Kyaan Constituency) and seconded by Hon. Abu Umoru (Apa Constituency), cited allegations of a suspicious plot to impeach Governor Alia.
The House also reinstated Hon. Cyril Ikon (Oju II) as Deputy Majority Leader, after his earlier suspension under Dajoh’s leadership. Lawmakers described his sanction as politically motivated.
Additionally, the House lifted suspensions placed on several government officials during the previous leadership. They include Dr. Grace D. Adagba, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government; and Hon. Michael Upe, Director-General of the State Lottery Board.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center, FIC Makurdi
