Editor: In Benue State, a lot has gone wrong with politics in recent times. This is as a result of irreconcilable difference between the main actors in the politics of the state. As things are today, the consequence of the gladiators’ action is the backwardness of the state, and until a proper reconciliation is carried out, nothing tangible would come out of the state that is yearning for total transformation.
It is sad to note that Benue State, which has been in mainstream of Nigerian leadership since independence and has produced prominent sons and daughters that have made their mark in developing the nation, is now in the doldrums politically.
Benue State once produced the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Benjamin Chaha Biam, during Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s administration. During the NRC and SDP dispensation of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, the state produced the likes of Senator Iyorchia Ayu and Senator Ame Ebute as Senate Presidents respectively. General Victor Malu was the Minister of Defence during Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
The state has also produced quite a number of seasonal technocrats like Tile Gyado, Denen Tofi, among others. In politics, eminent politicians like Senator Joseph Saawuan Tarkaa of blessed memory, the founder of United Middle-Belt Congress (UMBC), Obande Obeya, Wanteregh Paul Unongo, Senator George Akume, Senator David Mark, Governor Gabriel Suswam, Senator B. I. Gemade, Mrs. Margaret Chean, first female Speaker in Africa, Mrs. Elizabeth Ivase, made their mark.
In the military, the state produced countless officers in the three military services, likewise in the para-military. There were countless officers who held high positions. But despite producing these great citizens, one thing that is lacking and that has hindered the progress of the state: there is little or no understanding between them.
What worries many people in the state is the fact that the people of Benue are enemies of themselves, especially the elite. The elite must urgently reconcile and focus on the development of the state, above their narrow and shallow interest, especially the Tiv tribe. They must forget their political differences and uphold the virtues of selfless service to the state. The time for the reconciliation is right now! A stitch in time saves nine.
By John Akevi,
