The Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday elected Hon. Alfred Berger, member representing Makurdi North Constituency, as its new Speaker following the resignation of his predecessor, Hon. Aondona Dajoh.
Berger, who was sworn in during an emergency plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lami Ogenyi, assured lawmakers of his commitment to work in unity with his colleagues, including the immediate past Speaker, to advance the state’s development agenda.
“I consider this a call to service and a renewed responsibility to lead with fairness, inclusivity, and transparency,” Berger said after his election.
“My focus will be on stabilising the House, healing past divisions, and working hand in hand with Governor Hyacinth Alia, my colleagues, and the people of Benue to deliver on our legislative mandate.”
The new Speaker’s emergence came shortly after the House unanimously lifted the suspension placed on him and three other members last Friday, following their alleged attempt to unseat Dajoh. The chamber resolved to set aside its rules to enable the election of a new leader.
Hon. Dajoh, in his resignation letter dated August 24, 2025, said his decision to step down was in good faith and in the best interest of the state. He pledged to remain committed to his duties as the representative of Gboko West Constituency.
Berger, who previously served as the House spokesperson before his suspension, emphasised that his leadership would prioritise reconciliation. He noted that challenges encountered in the past were part of legislative politics and should not stand in the way of collective progress.
“I hold no grudges. The task before us now is to unite, legislate effectively, and support the executive in driving policies that benefit our people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, distanced himself from speculations linking him to the leadership change, stressing that the process was purely internal to the assembly.
