By: Fabian Apechihin

The Benue State House of Assembly has elected Alfred Emberga, member representing Makurdi North Constituency, as its new Speaker.

Emberga was chosen on Sunday during an emergency plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi. He was immediately sworn in by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande.

Before his election, the Assembly lifted Emberga’s suspension alongside that of three other lawmakers, also setting aside its operating rules to enable the leadership change.

Emberga, who is backed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, pledged to work with his colleagues in advancing the state’s development agenda.

His emergence followed the sudden resignation of former Speaker Aondona Dajoh, who stepped down in a letter dated August 24, 2025. Dajoh said his decision was taken “in good faith and in the best interest of the state,” while thanking his colleagues for the privilege of serving.

He assured that he would continue his duties as the representative of Gboko West State Constituency.

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By: Fabian Apechihin

The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has stepped down from his position.

His resignation was announced in a letter dated Sunday, August 24, 2025, and personally signed by him. In the letter, obtained by Channels Television, Dajoh said his decision was made “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”

“I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today, August 24, 2025. I appreciate my colleagues for the opportunity to serve as first among equals. I remain committed to my duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko West State Constituency,” the letter read in part.

Dajoh’s resignation comes days after the Assembly suspended four lawmakers—Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa)—for six months over an alleged plot to impeach him.

The suspension, moved by Majority Leader Saater Tiseer, was described as a necessary measure to forestall a “needless crisis” in the legislature.

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By; Fabian Apechihin

The Presidency has clarified why Nigeria’s booth appeared empty on the opening day of the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan.

The explanation follows a viral post by Idris Bello, co-founder of The Wennovation Hub, who expressed disappointment at finding the booth unmanned. Bello, who said he was “ashamed” by the situation, claimed he had to engage visitors and potential investors himself. His comments sparked widespread criticism over Nigeria’s preparedness for the global investment forum.

In a statement on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed the backlash as a “misrepresentation,” stressing that Nigeria’s primary focus at TICAD 9 was on high-level engagements, not trade exhibitions.

“The trending social media narrative about an empty booth labelled ‘NIGERIA’ totally misrepresented our country’s mission and activities at the conference,” Onanuga said.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu is leading a delegation engaged in bilateral and multilateral negotiations across key sectors, including power, industry, and agriculture. Scheduled meetings include sessions with Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation.

Onanuga also revealed that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is in talks over major JICA-funded projects such as the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement and renewable energy expansion. Similarly, the Bank of Industry is holding financing discussions with international partners.

He noted that Nigeria’s official programme does not feature participation in the open trade exhibition, which many had mistaken for the country’s main platform at the summit.

Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the booth was not abandoned but simply scheduled to be opened on Thursday, the second day of the conference.

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