Attah Ede. Makurdi
Benue State House of Assembly, on Monday, elected a new Speaker in person of Aondona Dajoh for the commencement of 10th Assembly..
Dajoh represents Gboko West State Constituency. He polled 17 votes to beat his closest rival Becky Orpin representing Gboko East State Constituency who polled 15
Our correspondent report that the election of the new speaker was embroiled in a lot of controversies and intrigues.
The new session of the 10th Assembly consisting 21 All Progressives Congress, (APC) members, 10 Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) members and 1 Labor Party member commenced at about 10 am ended at 4 pm.
Inaugurating the House, Benue state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia charged the new legislators to collaborate with the Executive arm of government in order to deliver the much expected dividends of democracy to the Benue people.
The governor assured the lawmakers of his administration’s support at all times and solicited for constructive engagements and support from the legislature and judicial arms of government to enable them to actualize set goals.
He urged the new legislators to be exemplary in their conducts, stressing that the Benue society has placed so much expectations on them, hence the need to deliver on their mandate.
According to the Governor, “The legislature not only gives the people a voice in the affairs of government, but provides the bedrock for the rule of law, equity and justice to reign in the polity.
“Due to the big role the legislature plays side by side with the judiciary and the Executive arm of government, we are fully prepared to respect the sanctity of the doctrine of the separation of powers under a democracy.”
Alia, who pledged not to interfere with the internal affairs of the legislature especially in the election of its leaders, said “We are prepared to meaningfully work with those who you choose to lead the house.”
He however, advised members to choose from among themselves those that they will always whose leadership leadership qualities they would always be proud of.
“We will support the house with the training and retraining of staff of members of the House.”
He pledged that the Executive arm of government will work in harmony with the legislature and the judiciary to ensure effective service delivery to the people who are expecting so much from them.
It was learnt that Governor Alia has earlier held a meeting with 18 members of the house loyal to him at Government House.
However, the votes did not reflect this as Dajoh and Becky tied polling16 votes in the first ballot necessitating a second.
After a long period of break amidst horse trading and consultation by the Governor and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume’s camp, the house reconvened with only members and the media allowed to remain at the gallery, and Dajoh emerged as Speaker while Mrs. Danladi Lami representing Ado State Constituency emerged as Deputy Speaker.
Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, it was, learnt that the State Chairman of APC Austin Agada had clash with the Chief of Staff to the Governor Paul Biam at the Assembly complex.
