Benue Assembly passes confidence vote on Fr. Alia, Speaker Dajoh
21st December, 2024
The Benue State Assembly has passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia and the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh.
This follows what pundits described as an “impeachment scare” in the state, following the 10th Assembly’s recent decisions inviting key members of the Fr. Alia government to appear before it on allegations of financial impropriety.
Although both officers have denied the allegations, pundits say the Assembly’s strong position on the key officers of government is an indirect attack on the governor, and it’s tantamount to inviting for impeachment.
However, the State lawmakers, at a budget retreat taking place at the Ta’al Conference Hotel, Lafia, Nasarawa State Capital, Hon Elias Audu, Gwer East (APC), moved his colleagues to pass a Vote of Confidence on the Governor, Fr. Alia, and the Speaker, Rt. Hon Dajoh putting an end to rumours any discontent with the administration.
According to Hon Audu, in his motion, Fr. Alia is a trustworthy leader who has demonstrated strong commitment to the welfare of the people and consistently working towards the benefit of the state, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Speaker, Mr. Terver Zamber says in a statement.
Improvements in infrastructural development and investment in the health sector, agriculture, and education are creating lasting impacts on citizens’ lives, and Hon Audu reckons the Governor needed the support of the legislators for the progress of the state.
In seconding the motion, Rt. Hon. Jonathan Agbidye, Katsina-Ala East (APC), said the Governor had done exceptionally well, particularly in ensuring timely payment of salaries to civil servants, payment of pension and arrears as well as infrastructural development, the statement by Zamber further says.
Rt. Hon Agbidye said the Speaker has so far led the Assembly well, demonstrating love towards everyone and assured the speaker of the honourable members’ continued support.
Fr. Alia expressed gratitude to the Benue State Assembly members for the confidence vote because it reflects the unwavering commitment of the lawmakers to work together with him to take the state to greater heights.
Meanwhile, Prince Jiji Jack, the self-styled political prophet, has provided insight into how it is “very difficult” to impeach the governor and the speaker.
Jiji Jack posted on his Facebook account: “One strong House with five solid pillars.” Jiji wrote, “Before you impeach Speaker Dajoh, you must win the votes and support of Speaker Dajo, Suswam, Moro, Akume, and Alia’s loyalists or 2 -3rd. And it’s very difficult.”
But Mr. Zamber says, “There is nothing like an impeachment process going on in the House.”
According to Mr. Zamber, “no one has planned it, no one will plan it,” adding that “the assembly is very peaceful.”
He explained that “the decision of the House that affected the SUBEB (State Universal Basic Education Board) chairman and former Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is aimed at checking excesses and correcting anomalies in government agencies and parastatals.”
