Do they fail or pass on all fronts? Do we pray that the incoming political officeholders in OJU and OBI do exactly what the previous political leaders did in the last eight years?
Per period of administration, Igede nation statutorily has a Federal House of Assembly member, three State House of Assembly members, one to two Commissioners, two Local Government Chairmen and 23 Councillors, and at least three special advisers to the Governor. I don’t want to talk if it is enough or too small, but that is what we have to make do with until the dominant tribe decides to add to us.
Even if you chose to use a dangling modifier to describe the effect of all these political office holders on the land, you would have no choice but to agree that they are not emptied of integrity and did not settle on their less. They have done much for themselves and their immediate family–which is their primary constituency. Who will fault them? After all, blood is thicker than water. Some of them have executed projects that are either standard or substandard, either under-reported or over-reported. Let me congratulate them–they came, saw butter or shege, and conquered. ‘AND THEY CONQUERED’ is contestable; some will say they chickened out and under-represented us. Whatever side we decide to take, it may be a coping mechanism.
We have the right to believe certain realities or deliberately wish them away because of politics and sentiment. It is common knowledge that Igede people in Benue State have long suffered various forms of political, social, and economic injustices. It is like Igede people are the most vulnerable groups in the current setting of Benue State. We are obviously facing systemic and institutionalized discrimination that limits our access to the relevant political sphere and decision-making bodies. Could it be deliberate domination by the other tribes in the State, or just that we lack a voice or quality representation to engage the obnoxious policies that affect our development, or are the representatives preoccupied with their personal interests and often overlook the collective interest or there are completely ignorant on how to navigate complex political systems and institutions? Your guess is as good as mine.
How exactly will the TIV and IDOMA help if our representatives are timid, unassertive, and incapable of pulling weight? How will you help people that cannot make objective demands about what is affecting their people? In every human setting, you either talk about yourself or you are ignored. In every human setting, you either refuse peanuts for the sake of your people or you are branded as a happy enslaved person that delights in feasting on peanuts.
Let us not forget in a hurry the following happenings: the Oyoobi epidemic, the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives, the ecological fund that they nearly sued some youths to court, Odiapa Bridge and evidence of contract award and lifeless silence, the Obi police station burnt down and its state up till now, the Awarji-Oju road marching order without follow up, Alaide-Obarike abandoned road project, Igede life matter protest about killings at Ukpute and Ochoro, Igede Federal Roads protest, the recent prolonged power outage in the two Local Governments and so on. Let us not in a hurry, forget the rescuing role of Igede Youths that are without our mandate and not on a pay roll. While the youth bodies made all the efforts, our mandate holders maintained an unconcerned silence. The past eight years have been silent about the plight of Igede people by relevant political stakeholders. Let me not remind ourselves about the suicidal votes in senatorial primaries. Or do you want to be reminded of the politics surrounding the aid/relief materials to war victims at Agidegbe? Or do you want to know more about their dissenting voices in Benue Rebirth Movement?
The political office holders were falling over themselves just to fall in line and be politically correct in the eyes of the oppressors. Not a golden silence, but a clay-like silence with an unrepentant penchant for the unhealthy, confused and empty defence of their pay masters. Just a little comment about their boss, you have afforded them an opportunity to show literary prowess and demonstrate erudition. My annoyance is, for eight years of neglect, with their unresponsiveness, they gave the oppressors some fresh breath of life. Thank goodness, in a few days, their leadership time/style will be consigned to the deserving side of history.
To the new set of political office holders–you have a chance and option to be different. There is no honour and dignity in keeping quiet while injustice glares you in the face. It is timidity to keep a low profile and be silent even when the Government neglects your people with animal-like impunity. The mentality of self-centeredness that makes you rest content if you can provide for your family, even if everybody is groaning, is dishonourable. An Honourable should not be unnecessarily afraid and weak or exhibit an inferiority complex.
Igede must have one voice or perish. We pray that incoming political officer holders be bold and visionary enough to talk and act within the confine of the laws. Rally all sections of Igede communities, advocate for their rights, and forge partnerships with allies to bring about lasting social, economic and political change. Only then can we gain true recognition, prosperity, and dignity as Zone C and Benue State citizens.
Men of character, skills and contentment are desperately needed in political leadership NOW to rescue Igedeland. Our driving force should no longer be more by greed, selfishness and naivety. We should not be so blinded that we see mirages as our objectives. We should avoid dissipating so much energy trying to achieve what is impossible–staying relevant by pulling your brother down–is impossi-cant!
Make I ask sef–which body is supposed to hold the Igede political officers accountable after elections? Chawowo! My mind goes to OMYI NYA IGEDE; my mind should stop this nonsense–only God knows that organisation’s role in Igede land.
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