Benue State lawmakers have chosen Alfred Berger as the new Speaker of the House of Assembly after a turbulent week marked by suspensions and resignations.
Berger’s election came on Sunday, just days after he and three colleagues were suspended for allegedly attempting to disrupt proceedings. At an emergency session presided over by interim Speaker Lami Danaldi, the House voted to lift their suspension before moving to fill the leadership vacancy created by Hyacinth Dajoh’s resignation.
Following their reinstatement, Berger was nominated for the speakership by Makurdi South representative Douglas Akya and seconded by Abu Umoru of Apa. The motion was unanimously adopted.
Accepting the position, Berger promised to run an Assembly guided by inclusiveness and respect for differing opinions. He assured that the legislature would work “harmoniously” with the executive and judiciary while safeguarding its constitutional independence.
