There was a moment of commotion in the Benue State House of Assembly on Monday as members engaged in a shouting match amid the election of its speaker. The session had begun with Governor Hyacinth Alia inaugurating the 10th assembly, paving the way for its 32 members to elect a speaker and deputy speaker.
The position of speaker was zoned to Gboko LGA which is Benue North-West.
The governor is from Vandeikya LGA of Benue North-East, while the Deputy Governor is from Otukpo LGA of Benue South Senatorial District.
The two candidates for speaker are Becky Orpine representing Gboko East and Aondonna Hyacinth Dajo, the member representing Gboko West.
Orpine was nominated as the party’s choice by the Pro-George Akume camp of the APC which has the backing of the State Working Committee.
She is one of the only two female lawmakers elected to the 10th assembly, having canvassed for support for women in politics in her nomination acceptance speech.
Her rival, Dajo, however received the backing of the governor and his APC loyalists in the state. In his nomination acceptance speech, he urged members to vote for him, saying he is a humble man who is flexible to work with.
Credit: channelstv.com
