Eye Reporters News Analysis
The drama in Benue State has taken a dangerous turn, exposing once again how political power is used to intimidate institutions in Nigeria.
The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, lost his seat after presiding over the rejection of a commissioner-nominee, Professor Yangien Ornguga.
Ornguga is not just another nominee. He is a lecturer at Benue State University and the younger brother of the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse. The Tor Tiv is a respected monarch and a close ally of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Lawmakers, however, were flooded with petitions against Ornguga, many reportedly from his own students. After screening, they found him unfit and voted against his confirmation.
That should have been a normal exercise of legislative independence. But it quickly became a political earthquake.
Within hours, Speaker Dajoh was forced to resign. In his place, a suspended lawmaker, Alfred Berger, who had only days earlier been punished by the House, was sworn in as Speaker.
The timing and manner of the change sent a clear signal: the legislature must not stand against the governor or the Tor Tiv.
The situation is especially troubling because of the individuals involved. Governor Alia is not an ordinary politician. He is a Catholic priest who should embody moral discipline. The Tor Tiv is a cultural father expected to rise above partisan struggles.
Instead, both men resorted to pressure and intimidation, sacrificing the independence of the legislature to serve family and political interests.
Nigeria has seen this cycle before. Professors, trusted with the management of elections, betrayed public trust as INEC chairmen and returning officers. They delivered flawed elections instead of credible ones.
The clergy, once seen as the last hope, has fared no better. Reverend Jolly Nyame of Taraba State was convicted for corruption. Now Governor Alia, another priest, appears trapped in the same pit of compromise.
If both academics and priests have failed Nigeria, then who will rescue the nation?
Will salvation come from divine intervention? From the international community pressing for standards? Or must ordinary Nigerians rebuild governance from the ground up?
The Benue crisis is not just about a Speaker losing his position. It is a warning about Nigeria’s collapsing values.
When lawmakers cannot reject a nominee without being punished… when priests in government play politics dirtier than career politicians… and when traditional rulers promote family ties above fairness… then the country is in real danger.
Until integrity stands taller than nepotism, and institutions grow stronger than personalities, Nigeria’s democracy will remain in chains.
Benue has simply shown us, once again, how far we have fallen.
For advert placement and inquiries, publication of press releases, and news coverages, please call: Phone: 08052898434 Email: editor@eyereporters.com, click here to view the advert rates.
