Did Idoma people offend you? Controversy trails governor Alia’s key appointments in Benue

Mixed reactions have greeted the recent appointments made by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, sparking debates over perceived ethnic bias and exclusion.

The governor had approved the appointments of Prof. Daniel Amine, Mrs. Afaityo Rebecca, Michael Uper, Erdoo Mongol, and Surveyor Tsokar Terfa to key positions in his administration. However, the absence of any appointees from Benue South—home to the Idoma and Igede ethnic groups—has raised allegations of nepotism.

The appointments were announced in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to journalists on Thursday. Among the new appointees, Prof. Daniel Amine was named Director General of the Benue Geographical Information System (BENGIS).

This development has drawn criticism from Idoma voices, who view the appointments as a continuation of what they term a “Tiv affair.”

Reactions from Benue South

The decision has generated diverse responses, particularly on social media:

• Innocent Okpe: “As Idoma people are not getting appointments in the state, that’s how they are not getting in federal as well.”
• Daniel Ochoche: “Is Benue State only for the Tiv?”
• Peter Ogwuche: “He has betrayed the confidence reposed in him as a Reverend Father! We are waiting for him come 2027!”
• Joseph Egbodo: “No Igede man among them.”
• Samuel Sêsûghs: “So sad, please give Alia a little time. Let the man get himself together. I don’t support a one-sided appointment as long as I’m also planning to be a leader one day.”
• Agbo Adakole: “We don’t even want their appointment. Let him give all to his people. We Idomas are used to excelling outside. After all, what’s in Benue? Let them just finally bury the state.”
• Francis Oche Adulugba: “This guy does not have any conscience at all. Just look at the hopeless list! Idoma must wake up!”
• Mike Okoh: “Even Father still corrupt.”
• Comr Ransome Oche: “The hate is much.”

While some critics have outright condemned the appointments, others have urged patience, expressing hope that Governor Alia will address the perceived imbalance in the future.