…urges Alia, Akume to cede ministerial position to zone

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The youth wing of the AVM Monday Morgan (retd) led Benue Rebirth Movement, BRM, has raised concern over the continued marginalization of the people of Benue South Senatorial District also known as Zone C in the distribution of political offices in the state.

The group expressed worry that the trend has been sustained by the Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia led administration in the choice of a ministerial nominee from the State.

Addressing the media in Makurdi, on the unhealthy political developments in Benue state and other sundry issues, a chieftain of the BRM Youth Wing, Mr. Atsar Gundu urged Benue to leverage on the appointment of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the  Government of the Federation, SGF, to become the platform of unity for the Northern and Southern minorities and everyone supporting the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Mr. Gundu whose speech was read by another Chieftain of the Youth Wing, Yakubu Useni regreted that the unfolding political developments in Benue state had left much to be desired.

According to him, “the victory of Rev. Fr. Alia brought succour to the suffering masses, particularly to the minorities of zone C and other minorities within Zone A and B. Our expectation was that justice and equity that had eluded Benue state for over 47 years was on its way to being entrenched.

“Unfortunately, the appointments being made by the Governor, following the old pattern of denying Zone C the position of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has raised the red flag that our joy is likely to be short-lived.

“The Youth Wing recalls the maiden courtesy call by the BRM National Coordinator, Air Vice-Marshal Monday Morgan (retd), on our Governor before his swearing in. We passionately demanded for the return of the post of SSG to Zone C to show sign of good faith that a new era has come.   

“To our surprise, when the appointments were made, Zone C that has never been given an opportunity to rule Benue as Governor since its creation, still lost the post of SSG. What we have in Benue is that the Governor is Tiv; House of Assembly Speaker, Tiv; Chief Judge, Tiv; and the SSG Tiv. What then is the future of the Idomas and other minorities in Benue?”

He noted that “now the race for ministerial slot has started and speculations in the political space have it that another Tiv son is being recommended to the President. We the youths are highly agitated by this move. We cannot stand and watch while our political elders are preparing grounds for dangerous ethnic rivalries for us and our children as these actions have generated ethnic tensions for too long and must be corrected.

The youths demanded that “the next Minister from Benue state should be from Zone C irrespective of religion, age or gender.

“Governor Alia should liaise with the APC Leader in the state, Sen. George Akume, to identify a loyal party man or a technocrat from zone C for appointment as minister.

“All the Governors in the North Central geopolitical zone should submit in total loyalty to the SGF, Senator Akume, so that the entire middle belt region can be galvanized in total loyalty to the President.”

They maintained that “the connection of Benue state to the central power hub is not an accident, and we believe our Governor will restrategize and propel the state, with the fear of God, to ensure inclusiveness in the governance of the state and properly align it with the powers at the centre.”