Comrade Aluh Moses Odeh, is the National Leader, All Middle Belt Youth Forum (AMBYF) and a candidate for the Ugbokolo Ward in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State under the Labour Party (LP) in the last Local Government elections. In this interview with EJIKEME OMENAZU , he took a look at Governor Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration, especially as it affects his Senatorial District, Benue South. Excerpt:
What is your view on Pastor Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia's performance as the governor of Benue State, particularly how it impacts your region?
The residents of Benue South, referred to as Zone C, are experiencing significant dissatisfaction under Governor Alia’s administration. Although they initially had high expectations for improvements, the policies implemented have largely overlooked their needs, favoring instead the Tiv-speaking regions of Zones A and B.
What made you respond this way?
Well, while Zones A and B have witnessed significant infrastructural growth, Zone C remains underdeveloped. The lack of attention of Benue State government to this area is evident in the struggles of its residents, particularly in accessing basic necessities like portable water. In Otukpo, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo, residents are forced to rely on unclean water sources, with some areas paying as much as N150 for a 20-litre jerry can.
What other challenges does your Senate constituency face?
Residents of Zone C are facing significant security issues, seemingly overlooked by the authorities. This lack of attention has resulted in feelings of neglect and growing resentment amongst locals, who believe their protection and welfare are not top priorities for the administration. During daytime hours in early October 2023, notorious bandits launched a coordinated attack on Otukpo, historically recognized as the capital city of Benue South. The assault persisted for over an hour, resulting in at least five fatalities, such as a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside his personnel. Governor Alia neither paid respects nor assessed the situation personally upon visiting this location; furthermore, he failed to fulfill his role as Chief Security Officer (CSO). Various additional security concerns persist within the region, yet his presence remained absent amidst these critical times.
How are your community members responding to his behavior toward the governor?
Occasionally, we feel embarrassed seeing other governors visit distant regions within their jurisdictions to offer condolences during natural calamities. Benue State boasts a considerable number of military generals, both active-duty and retired, whom I assume provided guidance on addressing security issues in the region. However, he chose to disregard their counsel.
Can you provide an instance where you think the governor may have disregarded the counsel of security professionals?
Governor Alia's predecessor, Dr. Sam Ortom, enacted the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law. Why isn’t this law being enforced then? Could it be that Governor Alia has abolished the law to appease Fulani militant herders? At one point, concerns were raised that Governor Alia’s administration intended to revoke the Anti-Open Grazing Act, but these claims were denied by the government at the time. They stated their intention to reinforce the legislation instead. So why does the supposedly reinforced law seem ineffective now?
However, what do you believe is preventing Father Alia from enforcing the Anti-Grazing Act?
On April 10, 2025, Governor Alia made disparaging remarks about the people from Benue State who supported him during an interview he referred to as "a naked dance in the marketplace." He criticized these voters based on what turned out to be incorrect interpretations of the ECOWAS protocol aimed at justifying actions taken by his associates—the Fulani herders accused of violence. This particular protocol emerged from the decisions agreed upon at the 21st Summit of ECOWAS leaders held in 1998—specifically Decision A/DEC.5/10/98—not in 1978 as erroneously stated. In this discussion, Governor Alia falsely claimed that according to the ECOWAS agreement, unrestricted livestock movement across Western Africa was allowed, disregarding specific conditions set forth within the actual terms of the protocol regarding such movements.
Could you please provide more details on this?
Initially, Article 3 of the ECOWAS Protocol acknowledges the right of mobility but stipulates that these movements should adhere to "conditions outlined in this decision." Subsequently, Article 5 delineates specific regulations governing such migrations. According to Article 5: "All migratory livestock will be permitted unrestricted transit through designated entry and exit checkpoints within member nations upon presentation of an ECOWAS International Transhumance Certificate—a template of which accompanies this regulation. This certificate serves several purposes: - Facilitating oversight over animal groups prior to exiting their originating nation; - Safeguarding against potential threats to native stock health; - Ensuring notification of incoming nomadic livestock to receiving communities. The document includes comprehensive data about herd composition, administered vaccinations, planned travel paths, borders slated for crossing, and ultimate destinations. Issuances originate from national veterinary departments following endorsement by pertinent regional administrators." Article 6 mandates that relevant documents must undergo verification and countersignature by authorized personnel when entering or leaving host territories. Yet, evidence remains elusive regarding whether any recognized authority has executed such certifications thus far. Additionally, per Article 7, migrant flocks are required to strictly abide by predefined corridors as specified by individual state members consistent with instructions detailed on the aforementioned international transhumance certification. However, documentation does not substantiate claims suggesting Nigerian or other participating entities have established requisite pathways for pastoralists' use up until now. Further provisions include Article 9, mandating unregistered herds face compulsory isolation alongside reimbursement demands levied onto proprietors. Moreover, compliance checks require all shepherds carry valid identification verified by appropriate officials based in their home regions according to Article 12. Lastly, pursuant to Article 13, errant beasts found roaming freely outside controlled zones ought to be seized and confined accordingly.
What additional issues would you highlight from Governor Alia’s media interview mentioned earlier?
The media conversation you referenced appears to have been crafted as a script by Fulani herdsmen associated with the killers, intended for use by the governor. Given that the governor’s statements do not align with actual circumstances, I wish to bring attention to Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the ECOWAS Protocol. Article 14 stipulates that "the host nation should establish periods when migratory livestock can enter or leave its borders and notify neighboring countries about this." According to Article 15, "each member state needs to specify zones suitable for keeping transhumant animals and determine the highest number of livestock allowed per area; moreover, shepherds must confine their flocks within designated regions upon receiving instructions from local authorities at border crossings." Lastly, Article 16 asserts that "shepherds traveling alongside transhumant livestock entering another country lawfully will receive governmental safeguards and enjoy fundamental protections through judicial systems. These individuals must also adhere strictly to national rules regarding environmental preservation—specifically forests—and proper usage of water sources along with grazing lands." None of these requirements appear to have been followed by those violent herdsmen involved. It bears noting that until now, neither party to the protocol—including Nigeria itself—has fulfilled even one condition laid out here, notably issuing certificates permitting transit across territories.
What point are you trying to make regarding Governor Alia and his administration?
The protocol that Governor Alia referred to is an outdated document that has not been put into practice. Governor Alia is unaware that the ECOWASProtocol holds less weight than the African Charter under international law. The African Charter takes precedence as it is a regional legal instrument specific to Africa.
Regarding the supposed disregard for your senatorial district, are you suggesting that his administration has been sidelining your area?
Certainly. The administration led by Governor Alia has faced accusations of favoritism based on family ties and misuse of funds. A reported refurbishment project for a 13-kilometer stretch of road in Makurdi—from Wurukum Roundabout via the Air Force Base to Mu—allegedly costing an astounding NGN 28,342,000,000, was highlighted by the Director-General of Public Procurement during a video presentation aimed at disputing claims made by another party who stated it would be more than NGN 60,000,000,000. These figures have sparked skepticism and renewed allegations of corruption. It’s difficult to comprehend how revamping just one kilometer could incur costs of approximately NGN 2,180,000,000. One wonders what constructing even shorter sections might entail financially. Until this point, Governor Alia hasn’t permitted local government areas under his jurisdiction to manage their own affairs independently, hindering swift progress within these communities. As a result, those appointed as chairpersons lack necessary authority and resources; several feel they were set up poorly for success. Governor Alia needs to address transparency concerns regarding financial dealings involving local governments. He must permit direct receipt of federal funding into local accounts managed transparently by chairs with oversight provided by himself to ensure accountability and demonstrate integrity.
In what other aspects of governance does Governor Alia's administration seem to be struggling?
The judiciary in Benue State has been embroiled in an ongoing strike for more than two months now, with no resolution in sight. Only the executive branch and what can be considered a nominal legislature remain operational; effectively, all three branches of government are not working cohesively as we learned they should from our primary education lessons in social studies. This situation implies that the state is precariously balanced on an upside-down triangle. The sole criterion for obtaining appointments appears to be one’s Tiv ethnicity, which contradicts the principles of embracing multiple ethnic groups such as those found in Benue State.
In what ways have the women of Benue been impacted by Governor Alia’s leadership?
The Benue women are similarly experiencing the impact of Governor Alia’s initiatives, as they have just two female commissioners among the 17 total commissioners, accounting for approximately 11.76%. Additionally, none of the 23 Local Government Area Chairmen appointed by the governor are women, which worsens the limited representation of women in leadership roles.
As a leader in the Senate District, what counsel would you offer Governor Alia?
Residents of Benue South are urging Governor Alia to acknowledge their rights and address their issues. Alongside demanding greater governmental involvement, they also call for investments within the region; otherwise, they refuse to endorse his administration further. His most recent trip was perceived as an act of deception, causing locals to lose trust easily. This particular visit appears solely motivated by Governor Alia’s own political ambitions rather than genuine concern for the area. Considering he previously relied on the backing of the Special Government Adviser, Honorable Senator Dr. George Akume (CON), who helped propel him into office despite numerous challenges—mainly due to self-interests—it seems like these efforts could mirror Esau offering assistance under false pretenses. If voting en masse for Governor Alia continues without yielding tangible benefits from effective leadership, perhaps considering another leader would prove wiser. Recent maneuvers suggest potential duplicity from the governor, prompting caution among stakeholders when welcoming him anew. Supporting his bid for a second term might lead to outcomes worse than anticipated. As stated succinctly by Charles Chinwuba Oputafu, commonly known as Charlie Boy: "Enough is enough."
How does the present dissatisfaction in the Benue South Senatorial Zone qualify as a significant concern for Governor Alia?
The dissatisfaction in Benue South is a critical matter that demands urgent consideration from Governor Alia’s administration. By tackling the region’s infrastructure, safety, and societal requirements, the authorities can strive to restore faith and promote a more inclusive and fair community for every inhabitant of Benue State.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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