Suspended lawmaker Alfred Berger has been elected speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly following Hyacinth Dajoh’s resignation, deepening the assembly’s ongoing leadership crisis.
Alfred Berger, a suspended member of the Benue State House of Assembly, has been elected as the new speaker.
Berger, who represents Makurdi North constituency, was chosen on Sunday during an emergency sitting presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Danladi. His emergence followed the resignation of Hyacinth Dajoh, who stepped down amid weeks of controversy.
Berger was one of four lawmakers suspended on Friday over allegations of plotting to impeach Dajoh. Benue governor Hyacinth Alia had distanced himself from the matter, insisting he had no involvement in the move to unseat the former speaker.
The state assembly has been mired in crisis for months. In February, 13 lawmakers were suspended for allegedly opposing the removal of Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese over accusations of misconduct. The suspended members later withdrew support for the removal, citing irregular procedures, though some were reinstated in July.
Berger’s election marks the latest twist in the assembly’s prolonged leadership turmoil.