By Amos Aar
GOVERNOR Hyacinth Alia has dismissed claims linking him to an alleged plot to impeach the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh.
In a statement on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, shortly after a chaos in the assembly interpreted to be a failed impeachment attempt, the governor described the speculation as baseless, stressing that he had no hand in any attempt to remove the speaker or interfere in legislative affairs.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia is not aware of, and has no involvement whatsoever in any purported attempt to remove the Speaker or in any activities currently taking place in the Benue State House of Assembly,” the statement read.
Alia assured of his respect for the legislature, noting that he has consistently demonstrated regard for the principle of separation of powers.
According to him, his administration has always responded promptly to communications and resolutions transmitted from the Assembly.
“This commitment was demonstrated only a few days ago when he promptly upheld and implemented critical resolutions of the Assembly conveyed to his office,” Kula added.
The governor further maintained that his relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly remains cordial and productive, stressing that he is committed to supporting lawmakers in discharging their duties for the overall development of Benue State.
Rumours of a rift between the governor and the speaker had circulated for weeks, with reports alleging that Alia was pushing to have Dajoh replaced with Hon. Berger Alfred.
The speculation intensified after the Assembly compelled the governor to suspend the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) against his initial position, sparking rumours of an accelerated impeachment move.
Government House, however, insists that such claims are unfounded, calling on the public to disregard them.
