The Benue State House of Assembly has confirmed two previously rejected commissioner nominees and suspended former Speaker Hon. Aondona Dajoh in a series of controversial decisions that have sparked debate over transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.
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The Assembly confirmed Dr. Timothy Yangien Ornguga and Mr. James Dwen as commissioners despite earlier rejections based on serious allegations, while simultaneously imposing a three-month suspension on Dajoh, who had already resigned from the speakership position.
Dr. Ornguga, an Associate Professor of Law at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi (formerly Benue State University), was previously rejected by the same Assembly following petitions from current and former students. The petitions alleged psychological abuse, vindictiveness, and what complainants described as “sadistic inclinations” in his academic conduct.
The law professor is reportedly a younger brother to the Tor Tiv V, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv Nation and President of the Tiv Area Traditional Council. This familial connection to traditional authority has added another layer of complexity to his controversial confirmation.
Mr. James Dwen, the second confirmed nominee, had similarly been rejected due to his inability to adequately respond to petitions alleging embezzlement and misappropriation of local government funds during his tenure as Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area.
The Assembly’s decision to suspend Hon. Aondona Dajoh for three months has generated particular controversy, given that he had already resigned from the speakership on August 24, 2025, following weeks of political crisis. His resignation had paved the way for Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga to emerge as the new Speaker.
Political observers have questioned the rationale behind suspending an official who had already stepped down, with some viewing the move as a political vendetta rather than reconciliation efforts within the troubled legislature
In a related development, the Assembly lifted suspensions previously imposed on the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and other affected officials, restoring them to their positions. While this decision has been welcomed in some quarters, critics argue that due process and accountability measures should have been prioritised.
The Assembly’s recent actions have intensified scrutiny over the state’s commitment to transparency and responsive governance. Critics argue that the confirmation of nominees despite unresolved allegations against them signals a disregard for public concerns and accountability mechanisms.
The decisions come at a time when the Benue State House of Assembly has been grappling with internal political tensions that led to the resignation of its former Speaker and the controversial election of a previously suspended member to replace him.
While Assembly leadership maintains that its decisions serve the interests of effective governance, the moves have deepened questions about the legislature’s commitment to transparency and justice. Citizens and civil society groups have expressed concern that public voices and calls for accountability are being overlooked in favour of political considerations.
The confirmation of Dr. Ornguga and Mr. Dwen represents a reversal of the Assembly’s earlier stance on accountability, raising questions about the consistency of the legislature’s approach to screening public officials and responding to citizen concerns.
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