By Yahaya Umar
Idoma leaders have once again demonstrated unwavering commitment to achieve a just and equitable Nigeria by presenting a comprehensive memoranda at the Public Hearing for the 1999 Constitutional Amendment held in Jos, Plateau State.
Leading the delegation was the President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma Worldwide, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, who submitted proposals that observers believe could transform not only the fortunes of Idoma people, but also strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Professor Ochefu presented a consolidated memorandum encompassing electoral reform, inclusive governance, security and policing, devolution of powers, local government autonomy and the longstanding aspiration for the establishment of Apa State.
The proposals advocated explicit constitutional provisions mandating reserved seats for women and individuals with disabilities at the federal, state and local levels, as well as formal recognition of the pivotal role of traditional institutions within Nigeria’s governance and security architecture.
“We cannot continue to operate a system that perpetuates exclusion. Nigeria’s constitution must evolve into a dynamic document that safeguards the equal treatment of all its citizens and facilitates genuine participation by women, youths, individuals with disabilities, minorities and the historically marginalised,” Professor Ochefu declared.
A separate memorandum was presented in support of the bill championed by Senator Abba Moro, which seeks to modify the 1999 Constitution to establish the rotation of power among geopolitical zones, senatorial districts and federal constituencies.
Benue Rebirth Movement and other stakeholders expressed support for this initiative, describing it as crucial for rectifying decades of structural imbalance in the country’s political landscape.
Additional submissions were received from Edumoga Development Association, which advocated for the creation of new local government areas from the present Okpokwu Local Government Area.
A group from Oju and Obi Local Government Areas also expressed their support for the proposed Apa State to be renamed Apa-Agba State.
This move, they contended would foster a deeper sense of belonging for Igede people through their ancestral connection to Agba.
For Idoma people, whose nine local government areas have never had an elected governor of Benue State since its establishment in 1976, the call for constitutional justice has become increasingly pressing.
In contrast, the Tiv, the state’s predominant ethnic group, have rotated the governorship within their various blocs, maximal blocs or super-clans.
Kwande/Ushongo axis produced Aper Aku, while Jechira axis produced Moses Adasu and the current governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia.
Jemgbah bloc produced George Akume, while Sankera bloc produced Gabriel Suswam and Samuel Ortom is of Minda bloc.
“Benue State will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. No community should be relegated to perpetual political obscurity for such an extended period.
“We must demonstrate the requisite courage to rectify a structure that has, for an extended period, excluded some of our most productive communities from the leadership circle. If we aspire to a peaceful and unified Benue and Nigeria, we must ensure that every constituent part of this federation has a seat at the table,” Professor Ochefu asserted.
The constitutional hearing witnessed a substantial turnout from members of Ochetoha K’Idoma, Jos branch, Ad’Idoma of Plateau State and other community leaders who rallied behind the call for fairness.
The attention now shifts to the House of Representatives, which will conduct a similar hearing in Lafia, encompassing Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory.
Professor Ochefu noted that stakeholders that Idoma will once again present a unified front.
“This is not merely about power for its own sake. It is about justice, equity and providing our children with a state and a country they can truly call their own.
“Our message is unequivocal: the time for excuses has passed. We are prepared to be counted,” he stated.
