AVM Monday Morgan accuses Alia of shrinking democracy in Benue

A retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM), former Chief of Defence Intelligence, and National Coordinator of the Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), Monday Morgan, has accused the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia of undermining democracy, inclusiveness, and political participation in Benue State.

Morgan made the allegations during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, where he criticised the alleged disqualification of several aspirants ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in the state.

According to him, the current political atmosphere in Benue reflects a growing culture of exclusion and suppression of internal democracy.

“In Benue politics, we have tribes, and tribes have aligned behind politics such that the Tiv nation, which is the biggest population, has become a hegemony. In that kind of situation, the dividends of democracy—which is internal inclusiveness and protection of rights—are completely negated,” he alleged.

He further claimed that certain groups and personalities were being denied equal participation in the political process.

“I think what is happening in Benue is a clear indication that they do not want politics and democracy to develop, because if you do not give a common ground for participation, you deny and disenfranchise certain personalities and certain groups of people,” Morgan stated.

The retired military officer also defended the Benue Rebirth Movement’s campaign for an Idoma governor, insisting that Benue South Senatorial District possesses the human and natural resources required to lead the state.

According to him, Zone C has remained politically marginalised despite its enormous contributions and potentials.

“Zone C is bigger than Ebonyi State; it is bigger than Enugu State. We have retired generals, medical doctors, and abundant mineral resources including limestone, coal, kaolin, zinc, and lead. It is a very viable zone,” he said.

Morgan stressed that power rotation was necessary to promote equity, justice, and long-term stability in Benue State, warning that continued political domination by one bloc could create future security challenges.

“We anticipate that with the human resources and the global participation of our people, we should have a system where rotation becomes important. Because if you use the tyranny of majority, it means you are creating some security challenges that will eventually emerge in Benue,” he warned.

He further alleged that Governor Alia’s administration had neglected Benue South in terms of development projects and political inclusion.

“This Governor has not shown any project in our zone in terms of rural development to show that Zone C belongs to Benue,” he claimed.

Morgan also expressed concerns over the handling of insecurity in the state, alleging that expert recommendations submitted by retired military officers had not been implemented by the government.

He disclosed that he and other retired generals had developed a detailed security roadmap for the state in 2023 but claimed the document was ignored.

“At the inception of this government, I was invited to be part of the transition process and I gave him a security roadmap. We brought up this roadmap neatly done and submitted it officially to the Governor,” he stated.

The retired AVM called for stronger intelligence gathering, protection of local vigilantes, youth empowerment through agriculture, and community-based security strategies to address insecurity across Benue State.

He also warned that unemployment and poverty were pushing some youths into criminal activities, including collaboration with armed groups.

“In fact, because of lack of jobs, some youths are collaborating with Fulani terrorists in the bush and some have become kidnappers,” he alleged.

Morgan further rejected the idea of state policing, warning that it could give governors excessive powers, but proposed a regional policing structure jointly funded by governors within geopolitical zones.