No need for protest over alleged plan to install Sarduana of Otukpo – Idoma youths president 

Obande Gideon, President-Elect Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing (Formerly known As Idoma National Forum), has warned against a proposed protest over the alleged plan to install Balla Muhammad as Sarduana Otukpo.

The youth leader said such move would only heat up the polity.

Obande was reacting to the statement by Otukpo youths, threatening to crippled commercial activities in the ancient town over the proposed coronation slated for February 6.

IDOMA VOICE recalls that the group said the planned action became necessary over the refusal of the Hausa community to officially call off the proposed coronation ceremony.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Obande said since the state government has taken up the issue and the organizers have assured them to cancel the event, “protesting for same issue is therefore uncalled for as government has spoken in line with the thoughts of the masses.”

He said it has been laid to rest and further protest would do more harm than good.

Statement reads below.

The outburst by different Idoma Groups in the passing days depicts how disenchanted the Idoma nation are about the proposed plan to install a “Sarduana of Otukpo”.

The state government through the office of the deputy governor H E Engr Benson Abounuhad referred to the 2016 chieftaincy law of Benue State and issued a press statement totally abrogating the move for the installation.

In view of the aforementioned, protesting for same issue is therefore uncalled for as government has spoken in line with the thoughts of the masses.

You may recall that “Civil disobedience” is employed when government fails to heed to the yearnings of the masses.

The proactive move by government however proves readiness to stand with the masses on the said issue.

In a case where there are other underlining issues, I appeal to the organisers of the protest to explore other means of resolution; we cannot as a state or an ethnic nationality afford to create a monster keeping in mind the activities of hoodlums and miscreants during the symbolic #ENDSARS protest.

It is imperative to employ the 3C ( Consultation, Consolidation before Confrontation) as dialogue remains the best alternative to resolutions.

The organisers of the said protest are therefore advised to explore other legal means and due process to protect and preserve the home front that is so endeared to their heart as we cannot afford any form of loss at this critical, global season of economic hardship.

It’s imperative to totally “Set Aside” the proposed protest as the subject bothering on the installation of the Sarduana has been laid to rest.

I admonish all Idoma Youth at home and diaspora to remain focused, draw out plans and targets and above all work towards achieving it; we must keep in mind that “in the School of Success, there is no excuse for failing”.

Amala Awetu! Aluta Continua!