“Yes Father” momentum fades: Benue Gov, Alia battles declining popularity amid growing criticism

Prior to the 2023 gubernatorial election in Benue State, a singular chant echoed across towns and villages: “Yes Father!”

It was more than just a slogan, it was a movement, a wave of religious-political fervor that united the masses behind the then-All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, a Catholic priest with a populist message and a priestly aura, IDOMA VOICE reports.

In a deeply religious and Catholic-dominated state like Benue, the phrase “Yes, Father” resonated far beyond the pews of the Church. Rooted in Catholic tradition, the response to a priest reflects deference, reverence and loyalty, a powerful symbol that became a political tool.

The phrase soon found its way onto campaign banners, T-shirts, songs, and support groups, sparking a political wildfire the opposition could not contain.

The “Yes Father” revolution was so overwhelming that even hardened political analysts likened it to the Obidient movement that propelled Peter Obi into national prominence. Alia’s popularity swept through Benue like a tsunami, delivering a crushing defeat to PDP’s Titus Uba and handing the APC control of the State Assembly as well.

But fast forward nearly two years into the Alia administration, and the chant has changed. From “Yes Father,” it’s now “Why, Father?”

Alia’s early controversies
Governor Alia’s popularity began to dip shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2023. His first five appointments, all drawn from the Tiv-speaking areas of the state sparked public outrage, especially among the Idoma people of Benue South. Accusations of nepotism quickly followed.

Soon after, Alia’s relationship with his political godfather, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), turned sour. A fierce internal struggle over the control of the party’s political structure plunged the APC in the state into disarray.

Observers said this internal rift distracted the governor from key issues, particularly insecurity. Despite reports that over 300 people were killed in violent attacks allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen within just a month, Governor Alia, after meeting with the President, declared Benue “peaceful” aside from “a few skirmishes here and there.”
The comment incensed citizens. 

The governor is also locked in a prolonged battle with several Benue lawmakers at the National Assembly. The crisis reached a boiling point when some federal legislators accused Governor Alia of stifling democracy at the state level and called on the Nigerian Senate to take over the Benue State House of Assembly.

According to insiders, the lawmakers are frustrated by what they describe as the governor’s high-handedness, disregard for democratic norms, and failure to collaborate on key developmental issues. The situation further worsened the political atmosphere in the state, exposing deep fractures within the APC family.

Across the state, even former diehard supporters now express regret and dismay.

“We voted him with hope, but now it feels like we were scammed,” said Agbo Emmanuel, a trader in Otukpo. “We shouted ‘Yes Father,’ but what did we get in return?”

“No project, no presence, nothing to show,” laments Onnche Janet, a teacher from Ugbokolo. “Benue South has been abandoned.”

“He came with the anointing of a priest but now governs like a politician. There is no transparency, no engagement, no compassion. Even Peter Obi kept in touch with his base. Fr. Alia cut us off completely,” complains Mrs. Ene Ikwue, a retired nurse in Otukpa.

Critics argued that nearly all of Alia’s developmental focus has been in Tiv-dominated areas, leaving Benue South (Idoma land) sidelined. During a recent media tour of state projects, Alia’s team reportedly struggled to list any meaningful development in Benue South.

Since assuming office, the only notable project some point to is a new beer brand called Zeva, an initiative that has drawn more ridicule than praise, especially in light of the state’s security and economic challenges.

An anonymous aide close to the governor, however, insisted that the administration has plans to redress the imbalance.

“We are not ignoring Benue South. The Apa-Igumale road and several other rural projects will soon begin. This administration remains committed to inclusive development,” the aide told IDOMA VOICE.

Meanwhile, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths and Media Mobilization, has warned critics against repeating the historical mistake of turning on visionary leaders.

“The first civilian governor of Benue, late Chief Aper Aku, was vilified in his lifetime despite his achievements. Governor Adasu also died poor because he refused to compromise. Let’s not treat Fr. Alia the same way,” he warned.

He pointed to Governor Adasu’s notable contributions, including the Alpha Plastic Industry in Northbank, Onyegede Cassava Complex, and Fruit Juice Factory (FRUITCON) in Katsina-Ala, saying leaders with integrity often suffer undeserved backlash in Benue’s political landscape.

The Father that once drew chants and crowds now walks a lonely path, with a fractured base, a suspicious godfather and a disenchanted public.

Whether Fr. Alia can regain the trust of the people and re-ignite the “Yes Father” spirit remains to be seen. For now, the silence is louder than the chant.