Apparently tired of playing second-class role in Benue State, Idoma, the second largest ethnic group in the state has vowed to stop the Tivs from its continuous dominance of the state’s political ‘shrine’.
The community has therefore called on all Idoma natives; both at home and in the Diaspora to come out in protest of the 38 years of political marginalization of its race in the state.
A group, under the aegis of Idoma Governor Support Group in a statement by its coordinator, Apeh Peterhot said the Idoma nation also parades qualified persons who are capable of piloting the affairs of the state.
As part of the move to drive home their anger, IGSG in conjunction with Idoma People of Nigeria, IPN and other groups are organizing a 10,000-man match in Makurdi, the Benue State capital to stage a peaceful protest.
The statement berated the Tiv brothers for using numerical strength to dominate the state’s political space since 1976.
Apeh further explained that since the creation of the state in 1976 and subsequent political dispensations, the two senatorial districts, Zone A and B had incessantly been recycling the governorship slot within themselves without considering other tribes, particularly the Idoma nation who are the second largest ethnic group in the Food Basket State.
The statement reads in part, “The 10,000-man Makurdi match!” Yes! We will converge on Friday December 5th at Makurdi, Wurukum Roundabout for a peaceful protest by 7:30am.
“Idoma Governor Support Group -IGSG, Idoma People of Nigeria -IPN, Apa National Youths Forum -AYF, National Association Of Idoma Students -NAIS, Idoma National Forum -INF and others will be there live as we strive and press forward in our quest for a Benue Governor of Idoma extraction after 38years of political marginalisation, prejudices, injustice and humiliation in our own dear State.
“The State belongs to us all. We will talk and walk the talk. From Wurukum to government house, to PDP and APC secretariats. We will talk tough, yes tough, but we must be law abiding good citizens even as we churn out cloned thoughts from our heavy hearts darkened over the years.
“While security is guaranteed, we urge you to come with your placards but ensure the unscripted words or statement(s) on the placards are non-insultive because its a non violent protest focusing on how to enthrone Idoma as next governor of Benue State.
Enough is enough!”
“Due to ‘time constraint’, we urge every member to please re-broadcast/share this information on his/her wall, group, page, blogs and other publicity channels for wider coverage. We call on other news channels to come witness this event with us especially bloggers from ‘our’ land.
“Also, due to the huge financial requirements for this mega rally, we would’ve asked that each member pay a token of N1,000 only but we rather ask that each participating member use the 1,000 to mobilise 5 comrades each for the rally,” the statement added.
DAILY POST recalls that the president of Idoma National Forum (INF), Dr Okopi Alex Momoh, had earlier vowed that the nation would boycott the 2015 election should the Idoma fail to become governor in 2015.
Already, five perons from the zone have indicated interest in the race. They include, Ada Chenge, Mathias Oyigeya, Harris Ogbole and former Niger Delta Minister, Sam Odeh.
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