By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State House of Assembly has reconstituted its principal officers in an exercise that cleaned out all those believed to be supporters of former Speaker, Hon. Aõndona Dajoh, replacing them with new leaders in acting capacity.
New Speaker of the House, Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, who announced the changes on Thursday, said the restructuring was necessary to reposition the legislature for effective service.
Under the new arrangement, Hon. Pharm. Thomas Dugeri, representing Kwande West Constituency, is the new Majority Leader, while Hon. Abu Umoru of Apa Constituency has been named Minority Leader. Hon. Cyril Ikong, the former Deputy Majority Whip, now serves as the Majority Chief Whip.
Other appointments include Hon. Abraham Jabi (Buruku) as Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Samuel Jiji (Logo) as Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako (Konshisha) as Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Simon Gabo (Ushongo) as Deputy Majority Whip, and Hon. Moses Egbodo as Deputy Minority Whip.
Emberga explained that the new principal officers will serve in acting capacity until their respective political parties forward official nominations for the positions. He congratulated the appointees and charged them to work toward the smooth running of the Assembly.
National Record observed that the sacked principal officers stood firm against the impeachment of Hon. Dajoh until he resigned the speakership position under duress.
Before the shake-up, the House passed three bills, including an amendment to the law establishing Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, and separate amendments to the Colleges of Education Laws in Katsina-Ala and Oju, enabling both colleges to award degrees and postgraduate degrees in Education.
The Assembly adjourned sitting to Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
