The immediate past Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, has firmly denied claims that he attempted to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia. Dajoh described the allegation as baseless, saying it is a smear campaign orchestrated to damage his reputation and mislead the public.
In a statement issued on Tuesday through his media aide, Terver Zamber, Dajoh expressed shock at the rumour making the rounds in political circles and some sections of the media, linking him to an alleged plan to remove the governor from office.
He maintained that throughout his time as Speaker, his relationship with Governor Alia was respectful and cooperative.
“My relationship with Governor Hyacinth Alia during my tenure as Speaker remained cordial and supportive,” Dajoh said. “There was no time I planned or attempted to remove him from office.”
He pointed to recent legislative support for the governor, including the House’s unanimous passage of a vote of confidence on Governor Alia’s leadership — a gesture he said clearly demonstrates his loyalty and support for the administration’s policies.
“The House under my leadership passed a vote of confidence in the governor. How then can anyone reasonably suggest I was plotting to remove him?” Dajoh asked.
Dajoh also raised concerns over the circumstances of his recent three-month suspension by the Assembly, following his resignation as Speaker last week.
His suspension came after a motion was moved on the floor by Hon. Terna Shimawua, the member representing Kyan State Constituency. Dajoh questioned why, if there truly was an impeachment plot, he was the only one punished.
“If there was indeed a plan to impeach the governor, who were the others involved? Why is it only me facing suspension?” he queried, suggesting that the move was less about wrongdoing and more about political rivalry.
He further took aim at Hon. Shimawua, stating that the lawmaker had not made any substantial contributions to legislative proceedings since taking office, and that his motion for suspension appeared to be driven by personal or external interests.
“That motion was the first time he spoke on the floor of the House,” Dajoh noted, implying the move was orchestrated rather than organic.
Dajoh clarified that his decision to resign as Speaker was made in the interest of peace and stability in Benue State. He said that he stepped aside voluntarily to allow room for unity and avoid unnecessary political tension within the House and the state.
“My resignation was not forced. It was my personal decision, made after deep reflection, to protect the peace and progress of Benue State,” he explained.
While he accepted the three-month suspension in what he called “good faith,” Dajoh strongly suggested that the move was influenced by forces outside the Assembly, referring to them as “non-state actors.”
“This was clearly a political move orchestrated by non-state actors and carried out by some elements within the Tenth Assembly,” he alleged.
In his closing remarks, Dajoh called on the public to disregard what he described as “deliberate attempts to tarnish” his image. He urged residents of Benue State to remain focused on the bigger picture — development, peace, and good governance.
“I remain committed to the wellbeing of our people and the progress of our dear state. No amount of blackmail or political games will change that,” he said.
Dajoh’s resignation and suspension come amid rising political tension in the Benue State House of Assembly. His departure as Speaker last week triggered speculation about internal power struggles, with claims of impeachment plots and external interference gaining ground.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, who came into office in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has so far maintained silence on the controversy. Analysts say the unfolding situation could impact the working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
As it stands, the leadership of the House has shifted to the new Speaker, Hon. Alfred Berger, who presided over Dajoh’s suspension. It remains to be seen whether the Assembly will revisit the impeachment allegations or if the matter will quietly fade with time.
