FCT, Abuja – A group identified as the Idoma Proactive Diaspora Coalition (IPDC) has reported Benue state governor Hyacinth Alia to the international community, accusing him of ethnic persecution against the Idoma ethnic group.
In a statement signed by its president and sent to TimesNow.com.ng, Dr Alechenu Amali, the group alleged that Governor Alia had marginalised the Idoma people in appointments and projects, favouring the Tiv ethnic group instead.
Amali added that the IPDC has reported Alia, a priest turned politician, to God over the alleged marginalisation.
The group claimed that key offices and projects have been awarded to the Tiv ethnic group, leaving the Idoma people feeling persecuted and marginalized.
According to Amali, after Senator George Akume left office as governor, all the positions that used to be reserved for the Idoma have now gone to the Tiv ethnic group.
He said choice offices like the Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG) and Commissioner of Works were all given to Tiv people.
The IPDC specifically criticised Governor Alia for allegedly removing Dr Nathaniel Oche, an Idoma man, as Rector of Benue State Polytechnic after only six months and replacing him with a Tiv man, Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Barki, in an acting capacity.
Speaking further, Amali said Idoma played a strong role in Governor Alia’s victory in the 2023 elections.
He said:
Meanwhile, the IPDC has appealed to the governor to address the issue, saying, “as a clergyman, Governor Alia ought to be fair to all, not persecute or marginalize any ethnic group.”
The group urged Governor Alia to “purge himself of ethnic chauvinism and favouritism”.
In another report, the Coalition of Political Parties in Benue state and IPAC criticised Governor Alia’s administration as authoritarian and anti-democratic, calling it the worst since 1999.
The parties accused the governor of corruption, neglecting security, ignoring due process, and violating human rights, citing deteriorating security, undisclosed financial details, and others.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene to address these issues and restore democratic norms in Benue state.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
