JUST-IN: Benue Assembly Elects Ermberga As New Speaker

Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday elected Hon. Alfred Berger Ermberga as the new Speaker.

The election came shortly after the resignation of the the immediate-past Speaker, Hyacinth Dajoh.

LEADERSHIP reports that the new Speaker was among the four members suspended on Friday for allegedly attempting to cause caos and division in the House.

At the plenary session held on Sunday and presided over by the Speaker pro tempo Lami Danaldi, the House resolved to lift the suspension on the four suspended members.

The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer who said that the plenary was an emergency one, moved a motion to lift the suspension on the four suspended members which was seconded by Samuel Jiji of Logo State Constituency.

According to the Speaker, “Following the motion raised by the Majority Leader, and seconded by members of the House, this House has resolved to lift the suspension of the four members.

After lifting the suspension, they were ushered into the Chamber and the nomination of the new Speaker was announced.

Those suspended include Alfred Aondoaver Emberga of Makurdi North Constituency, Shimawua Emmanuel of Kyan Constituency, Cyril Ikong of Oju 2 Constituency and Abu Umoru of Apa constituency.

The member representing Makurdi South State Constituency, Douglas Akya nominated Alfred Ermberga, Makurdi North for the position of new Speaker which was seconded by Abu Umoru representing Apa State Constituency.

In his acceptance speech after his emergency, Ermberga commended the former speaker for his service and commitment to the progress of the 10th Assembly and the people of the state.

He further said, “To my esteemed colleagues, I assure you that this leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, fairness and respect for diverse opinions.

“This House under my watch will work harmonisly with the executive and judiciary, while maintaining our independence in line with the principle of separation of power,” Ermberga said.