The Benue State House of Assembly has dismissed speculations that Governor Hyacinth Alia influenced the resignation of its Speaker, Hyacinth Dajoh.
Dajoh resigned from the position on Sunday, days after three lawmakers were suspended for plotting his removal.
The Assembly spokesman, Elias Audu, made the clarification on Monday when he featured on Channels Television’s programme, The Morning Brief.
He stressed that the former speaker’s resignation was a personal decision made in good faith.
The spokesman argued that the lawmakers remain “independent-minded” and cannot be coerced into decisions.
He said: “If the governor had an interest, whatever it is, it is not within the knowledge of the Assembly.
“The Speaker was doing his job, and after some time, maybe because of certain decisions, he thanked the people for their support and said it was time to go. I’m convinced that the Speaker resigned based on personal principle.”
He further emphasised that the resignation was not symptomatic of a crisis but reflected the “collective will” of legislators.
“The immediate past Speaker voluntarily resigned. He came, he saw, he conquered, and he did his best for the state. When he said it was time to quit, members unanimously voted Honourable Berger Emberga as the new Speaker in a peaceful atmosphere,” he explained.
According to Audu, the Assembly continues to uphold the principle of separation of powers and will not hesitate to reject executive policies or nominations deemed not to be in the people’s interest. He cited the recent rejection of some nominees sent by Governor Alia as evidence of the legislature’s independence.
Governor Alia had also denied any involvement in Dajoh’s resignation, insisting that he maintains a cordial working relationship with the lawmakers while focusing on the state’s development agenda.
Dajoh, in a resignation letter submitted on Sunday, said his decision was taken “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”
At an emergency plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi, the House unanimously elected Honourable Berger Emberga, representing Makurdi North, as the new Speaker after suspending its rules to allow the process.
Emberga, who was recently suspended along with three other lawmakers over an alleged impeachment plot, pledged to work harmoniously with his predecessor and colleagues to advance Benue’s development priorities.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Assembly last week rejected the nomination of Timothy Ornguga as commissioner following four petitions against him, including allegations that he lacked a primary school certificate.
