By Amos Aar
BARELY a day after resigning as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh says he has moved on, despite the political tension that forced his exit.
In a Facebook post on Monday, August 25, 2025, Dajoh, who represents Gboko West (Gbemacha) constituency, confirmed that he had tendered his resignation letter a day earlier and was ready to embrace the future.
“It’s no longer news that I turned in a resignation letter as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly yesterday being the 24th day of August, 2025. And I have moved on,” he wrote.
The former Speaker expressed gratitude to his constituents for electing him into the 10th Assembly, and to his colleagues for entrusting him with the gavel as the first Speaker of the House. He also thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia, his aides, and Assembly staff for their support throughout his tenure.
Dajoh reserved special appreciation for his wife, Kundumiyol, whom he described as “the best example of a supportive wife,” as well as his family, before giving glory to God for health, wisdom and grace.
In another statement on Facebook, the former speaker’s chief press secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, quoted him as congratulating his successor, Hon. Alfred Berger, assuring him of support.
“The immediate past Speaker said he was delighted at the choice of Rt. Hon. Emberga Alfred by his colleagues which, according to him, is a proof of the confidence they reposed in him.
“He said the election was a testament to Rt. Hon. Emberga’s pedigree as a refined politician and consummate parliamentarian whose experience would add value to the current tenth Assembly.
“While urging the entire members of the tenth Benue Assembly to give Rt. Hon. Emberga needed support to succeed, the former Speaker prays for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and sound health for the new Speaker, urging him to do the State proud in his new role,” Zamber said.
While his words struck a note of finality, it was the reaction from the public that revealed how deeply his resignation had touched many across Benue. Within nine hours of posting, his note of appreciation had attracted 4,500 likes, 2,300 comments and over 200 shares, most of them pouring out sympathy, admiration and encouragement.
“The news of your resignation was a shock to me. You are good at the job and your charisma is admirable. Thank you for the services you rendered with dignity. You are a hero for many,” wrote Akpoghor Moses.
Others focused on the personal side. “I didn’t read anything else. I have just been looking at the picture,” commented Kate Sese, to which another user, Dega Ugbidye Jnr, replied: “Not just you. The white and bright smiles from the Mrs is captivating.”
Many hailed him as a leader who had written his name in history and for showing a sprit of sportsmanship. “You have written your name in gold, leaving an indelible mark on Benue’s history as one of its most outstanding Speakers. Though unhappy, I view this development as a stepping stone to greater opportunities… Your legacy as the first Speaker will forever be remembered. You are not alone; we stand with you.”, says Gbaa Desmond Bica.
Others echoed similar sentiments of resilience. “You’re a man with a heart of gold. Posterity will judge you faithful,” wrote Tyokura Samuel Aondoyila. Another user, Samuel Ater, admitted never meeting Dajoh but still felt connected to his leadership: “God’s grace is still very much in abundance.”
Bede Bartholomew urged him to remain focused on his legislative duties. “You were not elected a Speaker, go and take your seat among your colleagues and represent your people to the best of your abilities.”
For constituents in Gbemacha, the resignation was personal. “The people’s Speaker, you have written your name in gold in the history of Benue Assembly speakership. We, the people of Gbemacha, will continue to stand by you,” wrote Apir Aondongu Joseph.
From calls for courage to comparisons with past leaders in Benue and Nigeria at large, the reactions portrayed the mood of a people rallying around one of their own just as Agba Richard Denen Gwar likened Dajoh to a former president of Nigeria. “Goodluck Jonathan of Benue State,” Agba Richard Denen Gwar described him, while another supporter, Terkimbi Simeon Iorshe, declared: “The future holds greater glories and uplifting. Congratulations Mr. Speaker.”
For Dajoh who served as Speaker from June 5, 2023, until August 24, 2025, the warmth of these tributes seemed to affirm his belief that “the journey is still ahead.” His resignation may have been under duress, but in the eyes of many, he left with his dignity intact and his legacy secure.
