The Benue State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of former Speaker, Mr. Aondona Hyacinth Dajoh, for an additional six months.
The extension followed a motion moved during plenary on Tuesday by Mr. Terna Shimawua (APC/Kyan), titled “Motion to Review the Suspension of Hyacinth Dajoh (Gboko West State Constituency) from Legislative Duties.”
Dajoh was initially suspended on August 26 for three months over allegations that he attempted to orchestrate an impeachment against Governor Hyacinth Alia. According to Shimawua, the former speaker has neither shown remorse nor apologized to the House since the initial disciplinary action.
Shimawua also alleged that during his suspension, Dajoh collaborated with former Majority Leader, Mr. Saater Tiseer (APC/Mbagwa), and former Minority Leader, Mr. Michael Audu (PDP/Adoka-Ugboju), in a fresh plot to remove the current Speaker, Mr. Alfred Emberga. He described the actions as unbecoming of a former speaker, who should set a standard of leadership and sportsmanship.
“The conduct of Dajoh does not reflect the expectations of a leader, particularly following the recent change in the House leadership,” Shimawua said.
The motion was unanimously supported and seconded by Mr. Simon Gabo (APC/Mata). Speaking during the session, Speaker Emberga stressed the importance of upholding the dignity of the legislature.
“Nobody is bigger than an institution,” Emberga said, adding that Dajoh must submit a written letter to the Office of the Speaker and demonstrate remorse, including a formal apology, before resuming his legislative duties.
The extension of the suspension takes effect from November 25.
(NAN)