June 06, (THEWILL) – A member of the Benue State House of assembly representing Gboko East constituency, Mr Aondona Dajoh, has emerged the Speaker of the House, having polled 17 votes as against his rival, Mrs Becky Orpin of Gboko West with 15 votes.
Dajoh was nominated for the position by Emmanuel Shimawua Terna of Kyan Constituency and was seconded by Lami Danladi from Ado State Constituency, while Becky Orpin of Gboko West also secured nomination.
Following the development, votes were cast to decide the winner, but was tied 16 to 16, which the house was adjourned for more consultation.
On resumption, a fresh election was held during which, Honourable Aondona Dajoh secured 17 votes to beat Becky Orpin of Gboko West constituency.
With 21 APC members, the assembly also returned Mrs Lami Danladi from Ado State Constituency, as the Deputy Speaker unopposed.
In a build up to the election, the state chairman of APC, Austin Agada and the Chief of Staff to the governor, Rt. Honourable Paul Biam, had a serious disagreement over undermining the execution arm of government in the process.
In his inaugural address, the Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, said he was counting on the support of members to succeed, even as he pledged to be the servant leader of members.
While he stated the desirability of a cordial working relationship between the lawmakers and the executive, he observed that the success as a house depends on the unity, adding that there is strength in unity because a house divided against itself cannot stand.
He registered his appreciation to his party, APC, for providing the platform to contest election and appreciated the people of his constituency, Gboko-West, Governor Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Akume, whose leadership has motivated them.
