Exclusion of Idoma from ministerial nominees raises concerns

In the diverse tapestry of Nigerian politics, the story of Benue South, particularly the Idoma people, is one that resonates with disappointment and frustration. Once considered a beautiful bride in the national political arena, the Idoma community has been continually overlooked and neglected, most recently evident in their exclusion from the ministerial nominees list submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

This unfortunate turn of events highlights the critical importance of equity and fairness in government, as the marginalized voices of a significant section of the population cannot be ignored if a nation is to thrive, IDOMA VOICE observed.

The announcement of the 28-man ministerial nominees list by Senate President Godswill Akpabio left the Idoma people shocked and disheartened for the second time in a row. The nominee from Benue was Prof. Joseph Utsev, hailing from the Tiv extraction, while the hopes and aspirations of the Idoma community were once again dashed. This exclusion has led to widespread anger and blame-throwing within the community.

The frustration is compounded by the fact that the Idoma zone lacks representation in crucial state-level positions as well. Despite the elevation of George Akume to the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which was initially seen as a glimmer of hope, he failed to extend the same courtesy to the Idoma people by appointing someone from their community to a prominent position. This further fueled the belief that there might be a deep-seated bias against the Idoma people, a sentiment that has been growing stronger with each passing day.

The political choices made during the last election also seem to have played a role in the current predicament. While some argue that the Idoma people should have fought harder for their representation, others point out that they overwhelmingly supported the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who secured a victory in all nine local government areas of Benue South during the presidential election. Despite such unwavering support, the community finds itself once again cast aside.

The history of the Idoma people’s contributions to Nigeria’s development is significant and cannot be ignored. From the days of the first republic, Idoma leaders like Abutu Obekpa and JC Obande served as federal ministers, playing vital roles in shaping the nation during the pre and post-independence eras. The exclusion of the Idoma people from the national government is, therefore, a grave disservice to their long-standing legacy of nation-building.

The lack of fair representation in the government leaves the Idoma people feeling abandoned and disillusioned. The absence of a strong voice to advocate for their interests on a national level has left them marginalized and overlooked, despite their substantial contributions to the country’s growth and development.

In light of this, it is crucial for President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of equity and fairness in government. As the second batch of ministerial nominees is awaited, the hope of the Idoma people must not be dashed again. It is an opportunity for President Tinubu to right the wrongs and extend a hand of inclusion and recognition to this historically significant community.