The political tension in Benue State has deepened as a faction of the State House of Assembly, reportedly backed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, is allegedly preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Hyacinth Alia and his deputy, Barrister Sam Ode.
This development follows the controversial emergence of a parallel legislative group within the Assembly.
On February 20, 2025, thirteen suspended lawmakers convened a plenary session where they appointed Hon. Manger Manger, who represents Tarka Constituency, as the leader of their faction.
This came a day after the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Dajoh Aondoana, imposed a six-month suspension on them.
The lawmakers were penalized for allegedly undermining a unanimous decision by the Assembly to suspend the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpwambese, over accusations ranging from corruption to constitutional violations.
Among those suspended were Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East), Beckie Orpin (Gboko East), Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata), Williams Ortyom (Agasha), Onah Blessed (Oju 1), Elias Audu (Gwer East), Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Manger Manger (Tarka), Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo), Abraham Jabi (Buruku), and Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum).
After forming the faction, the group adjourned legislative sessions indefinitely but now appears poised to reconvene with a new agenda.
Reports suggest that Senator Akume has been instrumental in supporting the faction, allegedly instructing federal lawmakers and political appointees from Benue, including Senator Titus Zam, Matthias Byuan, and Pius Akutah, to financially back the group’s activities. Sources from the Nigerian Concord Newspaper indicate that Akume has now directed the faction to proceed with plans to impeach the governor and his deputy.
The Manger-led group is expected to resume plenary in the coming days, during which a motion to suspend Speaker Dajoh Aondoana and his allies will be presented.
Following this, the impeachment process is expected to commence swiftly.
Justice Ikpwambese, who is said to be involved in the plan, has reportedly agreed to form a panel to collaborate with the factional lawmakers to expedite the process.
If successful, Manger is anticipated to serve as acting governor until a by-election is held.
However, this move has drawn criticism. The Secretary of Benue for Good Governance, Barrister John, condemned the faction’s activities, describing them as unconstitutional.
He questioned the legality of legislative sessions held outside the official Assembly Chambers and criticized the use of an unofficial mace for such proceedings.
He further accused certain APC stakeholders of deliberately attempting to destabilize the state, arguing that the goal may be to provoke chaos that would justify a federal declaration of a State of Emergency.
According to him, such a move would not only undermine democratic processes but also plunge Benue into crisis.
