13/03/2026
*Governor Hyacinth Alia: The Betrayal of Idoma Trust and the Urgent Call for Awakening*
Fellow Idoma sons and daughters, it is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of duty that I pen this critique as a voice from within our community. Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, once hailed by many as a man of God and a beacon of hope when he ascended to power in 2023, has tragically revealed himself as one of the most underwhelming and divisive leaders Benue State has seen in recent memory—particularly in his dealings with the Idoma nation.
The facts speak volumes. In the 2023 elections, the Idoma people of Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C) rallied massively behind Rev. Fr. Alia and the APC ticket. We voted in overwhelming numbers, driven by the belief that a clergyman turned politician would uphold justice, fairness, and equity across Benue's diverse ethnic groups. We trusted that our support would translate into inclusive governance, equitable distribution of appointments, infrastructure projects, and attention to our long-standing developmental needs. How wrong we were.
Today, the narrative is one of stark marginalization and neglect. Numerous credible reports and voices from within and outside our community—including groups like the Idoma Proactive Diaspora Coalition (IPDC)—have highlighted how major political appointments, key ministries, and developmental projects have disproportionately favored Tiv-dominated areas, while Idoma land has been sidelined. Rural roads, critical infrastructure, and high-level positions have largely bypassed Zone C, despite our massive electoral contribution. Critics, including prominent figures like Senator Abba Moro, have openly declared that no previous governor has shown such apparent disdain or neglect toward the Idoma people. The suppression of Idoma representation in government, as noted in early assessments of Alia's administration, borders on systematic exclusion.
Worse still is the role played by some of our own. A handful of gullible or self-serving Idoma individuals—politicians, appointees, and influencers—sold out the collective interest of the Idoma nation for personal crumbs. They campaigned vigorously, painted Alia as a messiah, and assured us that our votes would bring prosperity and inclusion. Instead, these enablers have watched as the governor deals "mesely" (miserly) with our people—offering token gestures while denying us substantive equity. Their betrayal has enabled this administration to exploit Idoma goodwill without accountability.
Governor Alia's performance overall has been underwhelming. While some may point to salary payments or isolated initiatives in other zones, the broader picture reveals a state still grappling with insecurity, economic stagnation, and unfulfilled promises. For Idoma communities, the neglect compounds existing challenges: poor roads, inadequate healthcare, limited educational opportunities, and a sense of political invisibility that has persisted for decades. No governor of Idoma descent has emerged in Benue's history, and under Alia, the prospects seem even dimmer.
As 2027 approaches, whispers abound that the governor plans to recycle the same playbook—courting the same gullible elements within Idoma land to secure votes for re-election or to advance his ambitions. He will likely dangle appointments, promises of projects, or ethnic rhetoric to divide and conquer once more. We must not fall for it again.
To my fellow Idoma people: It is time to wise up. Our votes are our power, not a commodity to be traded for personal gain. We must demand accountability, reject sellouts who prioritize self-interest over collective dignity, and unite across party lines to protect our interests. Support leaders who demonstrate genuine inclusion, not those who take our support for granted and repay it with marginalization.
The Idoma nation is resilient, proud, and deserving of respect. Let us no longer allow ourselves to be used as stepping stones. Governor Alia and his enablers must be held to account at the ballot box and beyond. The time for blind loyalty is over; the era of awakened vigilance has begun.
-Long live the Idoma nation!
-Long live Benue State—where equity must prevail for all!
*Amb Prince Agbo*
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