2023: Why Idoma must negotiate with Tiv, Idoma leaders

By Nancy Adanu, Otukpo
Two prominent Idoma leaders, the former Chairman of Ado Local Government Chief Otse Otokpa, and acting National President of Idoma socio-cultural organization, the ‘ Opiatoha K’Idoma,’ Eliagwu Abutu the have called on the people of Benue South agitating for zoning of Benue governorship to them to properly network and negotiate with their Tiv brothers in order to clinch the seat in 2023.
Chief Otokpa, who made the call while exchanging views with The Voice on Thursday, said the people of the area were close to getting the seat in 2007, but, lost out due to poor planning and other undemocratic practices that greeted the party primaries.
He appealed to the Tiv people to listen to the agitation and cry of their Idoma brothers and allow them to have the seat in 2023, pointing out that without their consent and support, it would be difficult for a man from Benue South to get the position, as democracy is a game of number which the Tiv have advantage over their counterparts in the state.
Also speaking, an Acting National President of an Idoma socio-cultural organization, the ‘ Opiatoha K’Idoma,’ Eliagwu Abutu, noted that, since the creation of Benue State in 1976, the people of Zone C have never occupied the Benue Government House as governor, a trend he said is not good for the polity. He therefore, called on the people of Benue North East and Benue North West to give the zone a trial in 2023 while assuring the Igede that their interest will be taken care of.
Abutu, averred that even though, democratic decisions are taken based on the will of the majority, the views of the minority should also be considered, adding that, such move engenders harmony and brotherhood even as he advised his kinsmen to unite, stressing that, disunity has been responsible for most of their failures , especially, in politics.
On his part, the Benue South Zonal Chairman of Africa Democratic Party (ADP), Agene Itodo, said that from all indications, the Tiv are ready to concede the seat to the Idoma in the next dispensation, only if, the Idoma properly dialogue with them.
The ADP Chair, enjoined the Tiv to give his people the opportunity to pilot the affairs of the state, even for just a tenure to see if there would be improvements in Benue governance.