The Benue State House of Assembly has dissolved its leadership structure, retaining only the Speaker, Mr. Alfred Emberga, and the Deputy Speaker, Lamin Danladi.
The dissolution followed a motion moved by the former Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South), during plenary on Thursday in Makurdi.
Akya explained that, since he hailed from the same local government area as the Speaker, it would be “morally wrong” for him to continue serving as the Deputy Majority Leader.
The lawmaker stressed that it was only fair for him to step aside and allow another colleague to occupy the position.
He further argued that, apart from the Speaker and Deputy Speaker who were duly elected, every other appointed officer in the Assembly should be dissolved.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Cyril Ikong (APC/Oju), who described it as both “apt and timely.”
Ruling on the matter, the Speaker put the motion to a vote, and members unanimously agreed that all appointed officers—from the Majority Leader down to the Deputy Minority Whip—be dissolved, with fresh appointments to be made.
Announcing the new lineup, the Speaker named Mr. Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) as the Majority Leader, Dr. Abraham Jabi (APC/Buruku) as the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Cyril Ikong (APC/Oju) as the Majority Chief Whip, and Mr. Simon Gabo (APC/Mata) as the Deputy Chief Whip.
On the minority side, Mr. Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa) was appointed as the Minority Leader, while Mr. Cephas Dyako (LP/Konshisha) became the Deputy Minority Leader.
Other appointments included Mr. Samuel Jiji (PDP/Logo) as the Minority Chief Whip and Mr. Moses Egbodo (PDP/Obi) as the Deputy Minority Whip.
