The Benue State Government has dismissed as false and misleading recent social media reports claiming that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, has been removed from office.
The government made its position clear in a statement released on Friday by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, Comrade Asortar James Asortar. He described the rumour as fake news being spread by opposition elements aiming to mislead the people and cause unnecessary tension in the state.
According to Asortar, there is no crisis in the Benue State House of Assembly, and the relationship between Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and Speaker Aondona Dajoh remains cordial and productive.
“In reality,” the statement read, “His Excellency, Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia was observed late last night at the Government House inspecting new vehicles designated for some Assembly members, alongside Mr. Speaker.”
He added that the joint appearance of the Governor and the Speaker at the vehicle inspection is a clear sign that there is no rift between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
“This activity highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Governor’s office and the State Assembly, aiming to enhance government operations and improve service delivery to the people of Benue,” the governor’s aide said.
The government further urged members of the public to disregard the rumour and always seek information from credible sources. Asortar warned that attempts by certain media platforms to stir political instability through false narratives would not succeed.
The rumour of Speaker Dajoh’s alleged removal started circulating on social media platforms earlier in the week, sparking concerns among residents of Benue and political observers across the country. Some reports claimed that internal disagreements within the Assembly or tension between the legislative and executive arms had led to the speaker’s ousting.
However, these claims have now been firmly denied by the government, which says they are part of a deliberate misinformation campaign by political opponents of the current administration.
Hon. Aondona Dajoh was elected Speaker of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly in June 2023 following the general elections. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dajoh has been seen as a close ally of Governor Alia, and their cooperation has been credited for helping to maintain political stability in the state.
Governor Alia, also of the APC, assumed office in May 2023. Since then, his administration has focused on reforming governance, improving infrastructure, and promoting transparency in the state’s affairs.
According to political analysts, any suggestion of a rift between the executive and the legislature could create unnecessary political distractions and slow down the pace of development in the state. That is why the government’s swift response to the rumour has been welcomed by many.
In the statement, Comrade Asortar emphasized that the spread of false information not only threatens peace but also undermines the efforts of the government to focus on meaningful development.
“We urge the public to remain discerning and to rely on credible sources for accurate information,” he said. “The efforts by certain media factions to disseminate misinformation are nothing more than blatant lies intended to create confusion within Benue State.”
He called on the media, particularly online bloggers and political commentators, to prioritize truth and professionalism in their reporting.
Meanwhile, sources within the Assembly have also confirmed that Hon. Dajoh is still very much in charge and that there is no crisis threatening his leadership.
A lawmaker who spoke anonymously said, “The rumour is baseless. The Speaker is performing his duties, and there is no plan or discussion about his removal. We are focused on our legislative responsibilities.”
This incident highlights the growing concern about the role of social media in spreading unverified information. While social media remains a powerful tool for communication, it also presents challenges in the form of fake news and political propaganda.
The Benue State Government has reiterated its commitment to working with all arms of government to deliver good governance to the people. Governor Alia has also restated his intention to run an inclusive and transparent government, emphasizing peace, unity, and progress.
