‘Alia has done more for Idoma land than our own sons in power’ — Okpokwu Ogenyi

Former Benue State governorship aspirant, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, has sparked debate in Benue South after declaring that Governor Hyacinth Alia has done more for the Idoma people than their own sons occupying positions of leadership.

Ogenyi, who contested the Benue State governorship election in 2019, made the assertion in a Facebook post in which he defended the governor against criticism and urged the people to acknowledge his administration’s interventions in the area.

“There is no Benue Governor who patronises the Idoma people like Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

“The hate is much, but God above all.

“We should learn how to give what is Caesar to Caesar’s and what is God to God’s.

“Alia has done more projects in zone c than our sons in leadership position, and above all other Governors of Benue State before him.

“Let love lead,” Ogenyi wrote.

His comments have reignited debate over the performance of political leaders from Benue South, particularly whether the zone has received more development attention under Alia than during previous administrations.

The former governorship aspirant recently appeared on Idoma Television’s The Conversation, where he discussed Alia’s performance and highlighted projects in Benue South, including roads and water infrastructure.

During the interview, Ogenyi admitted that he initially doubted Alia’s capacity to govern the state but said the governor had changed his perception after three years in office.

“I did not even believe in the capacity of Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia. I did not support him during the primary elections. I only came to support him as the candidate of my party during the governorship elections,” he said.

He added that the governor’s performance subsequently changed his position.

“But after two years in office, the governor proved me wrong,” Ogenyi said.