The Architect of Marginalization: Re-evaluating the Idoma Quest for the Benue Governorship
In recent political discourse, a prevailing narrative, which supports a kind of a consensus in some quarters, has emerged among patriots and leaders within Zone C—most notably championed by figures such as our dear Senator Comrade Abba Moro suggesting that the current administration under Governor Hyacinth Alia harbours a specific prejudice against the Idoma people. While such assertions find traction in the court of public opinion, a more nuanced analysis suggests that this perspective may be misplaced. Therefore, I would like to respectfully differ from this position.
I would like to make the point that the Tiv man is not the problem of the Idoma man. To achieve political maturity, we must move beyond the convenience of externalizing blame. The fundamental obstacle to an Idoma governorship is not the Tiv ethnic group, nor any external political actor; rather, it is a crisis of internal cohesion within the Idoma nation itself. We are, in a very real sense, our own primary political adversaries. The Idoma man is his own enemy.
The Paradox of Competence versus Cohesion
Let me remind us that, the Idoma land boasts an extraordinary wealth of human capital, many of whom have distinguished themselves in different fields of human endeavour. In fact, whenever there is a roll call of any fifty (50) brightest brains in any field in Nigeria, it is not difficult to find an Idoma man or woman making that list. Our professionals consistently distinguish themselves at the highest levels of the Nigerian public and civil service. It is a statistical certainty that in any cross-section of Nigeria’s intellectual elite, Idoma names will feature prominently in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
A look at the pool of talented Idomas exposes the fact that Idomas have the capability to positively turn around the fortune of Benue state if given the chance.
However, this abundance of individual capacity has not translated into collective political power. Our challenge is not a lack of competence or vision; it is the structural inability to form a unified front. We have allowed fragmented interests and individual ambitions to supersede the strategic necessity of a common cause. Our challenge is our inability to come together to form a common front against the greed working against our need for power as the number one citizen in Benue State.
Strategic Questions for the Idoma Political Class
To advance, we must confront several uncomfortable realities through a lens of strategic introspection: In other words, a few posers might guide us as we interrogate our realities:
1. The Consensus Deficit:
Can the Idoma political elite truly commit to a single candidate without the specter of internal sabotage for immediate financial or titular gains? In other words, Are we united? Can we honestly work for a single Idoma candidate without betraying him or her because of money or promise of power?
2. Ambition versus Strategy:
Why does the quest for the governorship often result in a crowded field of aspirants from Zone C, rather than a disciplined consensus model that facilitates effective lobbying across Zones A and B? Let me break it down: If truly we are serious about the Idoma gubernatorial project, why then should we have to contend with a situation where everybody in Idoma land wants to be the governor when we can simply adopt a consensus candidate and lobby our Tiv brothers and sisters for support?
3. Institutional Commitment:
What are the roles of our political leaders? How committed to this cause are our members of the National Assembly as well as the State House of Assembly? What is the position of our Local Government Chairmen and their cabinet members on the Idoma gubernatorial Project? Are our representatives in the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, and Local Government structures religiously committed to this project, or is their support merely rhetorical?
Engaging the "Benue Project" Through Diplomacy
It is a political fallacy to view the Tiv electorate as a monolithic block of opposition. It is not all of them that are happy with the continuous segregation of the Idomas from the gubernatorial position in our dear State. A significant segment of the Tiv population recognizes that long-term stability and progress in Benue State require equity, fairness, and the inclusion of Zone C in the governorship. A detribalized and progressive Tiv voter is a potential ally, but they require a partner that demonstrates political seriousness. Influence is gained through negotiation and the presentation of a viable, unified alternative—not through fragmented agitation. Our current inability to consolidate our home front signals a lack of readiness to lead the entire state.
The Way Forward: Internal Consolidation
While we must acknowledge and commend those who have historically engaged in dialogue to achieve power-sharing equity, the strategy must evolve. Continued engagement with our brothers and sisters in Zones A and B is essential, but it remains secondary to the "home front" requirement.
We must move away from the politics of grievance towards the politics of organization. The numero uno seat of Benue State is not a gift to be granted based on sentiment; it is a strategic objective to be secured through unity, diplomatic leverage, and the disciplined sacrifice of personal ego for the collective good.
Let me end on the positive note that the Idoma Gubernatorial Project is possible We must therefore continue to push forward so that one day, we will not have to accuse or blame any governor for abandoning the Idoma land since our destiny would have been handed to us but to look within and decide our common future as a people.
Long Live Benue State!
long live Benue State Government
Long live the Idoma Nation!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ogiri John Ogiri writes from Ingle/Okpale Ward in Okpokwu Local Government Council Area of Benue State.
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