Dajoh emerges President of Benue Assembly

Gboko West State Constituency Member Aondona Dajoh emerged as Benue State Assembly Speaker on Monday.

Dajoh defeated Becky Orpin of Gboko East State Constituency 17 to 15 votes to become the President of the second round.

The two candidates were tied on the first ballot, which produced 4:16 p.m.

Lamin Danladi, a legislator from Ado State constituency, became Vice President.

The fight for the presidency has undoubtedly opened Pandora's box in state politics in the days to come.

The battle for Assembly Speaker pitted the Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, against in-state party leader and Federation Cabinet Secretary, Senator George Akume.

While Akume had thrown his weight behind Ms. Orpin, his former media aide, Governor Alia, in conjunction with other All Progressives Congress leaders and a former state governor, reportedly settled for Dajoh.

State Party President Austin Agada, who spoke to our correspondent earlier, said the party had settled on Orpin and warned members against any anti-party activity.

Following the tension generated by the struggle between the presidents, security agents had, as of 6 a.m. Monday, been deployed to the Assembly complex to reinforce security.

As tensions mounted and the first round of voting could not produce a winner, Opin supporters insisted that State Governor Alia, who was in the chamber, step down before the beginning of the second ballot.

Some of the members who shouted loudly claimed that some members were under pressure due to the Governor's presence.

The exchange of pleasantries between the two opposing camps blocked the start of the second round of the election for more than three hours.

Some of the lawmakers were seen banging tables and engaging in a shouting match.

As the House reconvened at approximately 3:28 p.m., the Clerk of the House, Bernard Nule, ordered all non-members and visitors, except the media, to leave the Chamber before the beginning of the second ballot.

Previously, Alia inaugurated the 10th State House of Assembly.

The governor has instructed the new lawmakers to work with the executive arm of government to deliver the long-awaited dividends of democracy to the Benue people.

The governor, however, assured lawmakers of his administration's support at all times and sought constructive engagement and support from the legislative and judicial branches of government to enable them to actualize the set goals.< /p>

He urged the new lawmakers to be exemplary in their conduct, pointing out that Benue society had placed so many expectations on them, hence the need to live up to it.

He said, "The legislature not only gives the people a voice in the affairs of government, but also provides the foundation of the rule of law, fairness and justice to rule in the regime.

"Because of the important role the legislature plays alongside the judiciary and the executive branch of government, we are fully prepared to uphold the sanctity of the doctrine of the separation of powers in a democracy."

Alia, who has pledged not to interfere in the internal affairs of the legislature, particularly in the election of its leaders, said: "We stand ready to work meaningfully with those you choose to rule the house."

He advised members, however, to choose among them those whose leadership qualities they will always be proud of, adding, "We will support the house with the training and retraining of House member staff."< /p >

He promised 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 expect so much from them.

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