The Traffic

Benue Speaker Forced Out After Assembly Uncovers N117 Billion Scandal Linked to Governor Alia

The political climate in Benue State has been thrown into turmoil following the dramatic resignation of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, after lawmakers exposed a staggering N117 billion scandal allegedly linked to Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

Though presented as voluntary, multiple sources told The Informant News that Dajoh’s resignation was the product of intense pressure from the Governor’s office, coming just days after the Assembly concluded an investigation implicating Alia in widespread financial and constitutional violations.

Assembly Report: 42 Allegations, N117 Billion in Question

The investigative report detailed 42 separate allegations against the Governor, ranging from financial mismanagement and contract fraud to abuse of office, unconstitutional appointments, and security failures.

At the core of the scandal were irregularities in procurement and contract awards, many of which were allegedly executed without State Executive Council approval, competitive bidding, adverts, budgetary provisions, or Certificates of No Objection.

Among the most glaring examples was a N73 billion road construction contract awarded to Bauhaus Global Investment Nig. Ltd. on January 8, 2024, with documents reportedly backdated to bypass due process. Other questionable projects included:

N19.7 billion for the Obarike Ito-Adum East-Oju Road.

N307 million for 448 solar street lights in Makurdi.

Over N14 billion for government vehicles.

Even smaller projects like calendars, diaries, and billboards were allegedly procured without legal approvals.

Local Government and Constitutional Violations

The report accused Alia of freezing state accounts and diverting millions from the 23 Local Government Areas, crippling grassroots governance. Lawmakers further alleged nepotism, with key appointments concentrated in his native Vandeikya Local Government Area, violating Section 14(4) of the Constitution.

In addition, the Governor was accused of creating new bureaus and parastatals unilaterally, sidelining constitutionally empowered commissioners.

Security and Judiciary Interference

Beyond finances, the Assembly indicted the Governor for undermining public safety. An Executive Order banning public gatherings, wakes, and religious events in 2024 was reportedly enforced by armed thugs loyal to him. Widespread insecurity has since displaced residents in 17 LGAs, leading to the creation of 20 IDP camps, including two mega camps.

In March 2025, Alia allegedly deployed the “NO ALIA NO BENUE” militia to blockade the Benue State High Court in Makurdi, preventing judges and the Chief Judge from accessing the premises. The Assembly described the act as a direct assault on the separation of powers and judicial independence.

Appropriation Law and Impeachment Threat

The Governor was also accused of refusing to sign the 2025 Appropriation Law, continuing to spend state funds without legislative assent despite repeated warnings from lawmakers about the constitutional implications.

Faced with possible impeachment, Governor Alia allegedly orchestrated Speaker Dajoh’s removal. Reports claim that N2 billion was funneled into influencing the Assembly’s leadership transition, paving the way for Alfred Emberga, member for Makurdi-North Constituency, to emerge as the new Speaker.

Political Fallout

The Speaker’s ouster has been widely interpreted as a calculated move by Governor Alia to consolidate power and neutralize opposition within the Assembly.

The 42-count report, however, continues to loom large, highlighting allegations of:

Gross abuse of office

Financial impropriety

Nepotism and unconstitutional governance

Judicial interference

Security and human rights violations

The unfolding crisis has plunged Benue politics into uncertainty, with citizens and political observers now watching closely to see whether the Assembly will persist with its findings—or whether the Governor’s political maneuvering will silence the scandal.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna