Governor Alia’s denial of genocide in Benue is not strange. The governor has always chosen politics than his people. He hasn’t shown the people the love shown to him. Governor Alia has not realised that there is time for politics and times to stand firmly and say things as they are.
The man who picked him up and made him governor also rode on the story that the Benue State government was responsible for the mass killings in Benue shamelessly even as all know who were responsible. The bandits have claimed responsibilities even then, the Nigerian Army had been sent to tackle them with army casualties. Yet, George Akune who is now secretary general to the federation has refused to bulge. Alia the same.
The two men have issues nowadays and the whole state knows that there is a looming battle between the duo on who would take control of Benue in 2027. Governor Alia denial of genocide was to get Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support. With Tinubu’s support it will be difficult for George Akume to remove him and replace him. On that the man sacrificed his people in Benue by denying that there is genocide.
Can you blame him? Most Nigerian politicians would do the same. Personal ambition is usually more important than the people in Nigerian politics. Rev.Father Alia chooses himself ahead of the people.
By George Onmonya Daniel
