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Benue Assembly dissolved principal officers, appoints new leadership.
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Dugeri, Jabi, Ikong, and Gabo take majority bench positions.
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Emberga’s emergence as Speaker prompted reorganisation for legislative stability.
The Benue State House of Assembly has carried out a major leadership reshuffle, dissolving its former principal officers and appointing new lawmakers to key positions.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Thursday, September 11, 2025, by the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Zape Michael Upaa, the Assembly announced the appointment of Thomas Dugeri as the new Majority Leader, while Abraham Jabi has been named Deputy Majority Leader. Cyril Ikong was appointed Majority Chief Whip, and Simon Gabo takes over as Deputy Majority Whip.
On the minority side, the new lineup includes Abu Umoro as Minority Leader and Cephase Dyako as Deputy Minority Leader. Samuel Jiji has been assigned the role of Minority Whip, with Moses Egbodo taking the position of Deputy Minority Whip.
According to the statement, more details on the reorganisation and its impact on the Assembly’s legislative direction will be communicated in due course.
The development follows the appointment of Alfred Emberga, the lawmaker representing Makurdi North Constituency, as the new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly. Emberga emerged Speaker on Sunday, August 24, 2025, during an emergency plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi.
Immediately after his election, Emberga was sworn in by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande, officially taking over leadership of the Assembly. His emergence came amid ongoing political tensions within the House, including recent attempts at impeachment and suspensions of some lawmakers.
The shake-up in leadership is seen as part of efforts to stabilise the Assembly under its new Speaker and reposition the House for effective legislative duties.
