Power Shift In Benue! Assembly Shakes Up Leadership, Names Fresh Principal Officers

The Benue State House of Assembly has carried out a major leadership shake-up, dissolving its former principal officers and appointing new lawmakers to key positions.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 11, 2025, by the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Zape Michael Upaa, the Assembly confirmed the emergence of Thomas Dugeri as the new Majority Leader, with Abraham Jabi named Deputy Majority Leader.

Other fresh appointments include Cyril Ikong as Majority Chief Whip and Simon Gabo as Deputy Majority Whip.

On the minority side, Abu Umoro was announced as the new Minority Leader, while Cephase Dyako assumes the role of Deputy Minority Leader. Samuel Jiji and Moses Egbodo were also named as Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip respectively.

According to the statement, more details on the reorganisation and its impact on the Assembly’s legislative agenda will be made available in due course.

This development follows the appointment of Alfred Emberga, representing Makurdi North Constituency, as the new Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly. Emberga emerged at an emergency plenary session on Sunday, August 24, 2025, presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi. He was immediately sworn in after taking the oath of office administered by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande.