Idoma leaders have again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to achieving a more just and equitable Nigeria by presenting comprehensive memoranda at the Public Hearing for the 1999 Constitutional Amendment held in Jos, Plateau state.
Leading the delegation was Professor Yakubu A. Ochefu, President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma Worldwide, who submitted proposals that observers believe could transform not only the fortunes of the Idoma people but also strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework.
In his presentation, 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 for explicit constitutional provisions mandating reserved seats for women and individuals with disabilities across 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,” Professor Ochefu declared following the presentation.
“Nigeria’s constitution must evolve into a dynamic document that safeguards the equal treatment of all its citizens and facilitates genuine participation by women, youth, individuals with disabilities, minorities, and the historically marginalised.”
A separate memorandum was presented in support of the bill championed by Senator Abba Moro, which seeks to modify the 1999 Constitution to establish rotation of power among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, senatorial districts, and federal constituencies.
The Benue Rebirth Movement and other stakeholders expressed their 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 the Edumoga Development Association, which advocated for the creation of new local government areas from the present Okpokwu LGA.
A group from Oju and Obi LGAs also expressed their support for the proposed Apa State to be renamed Apa-Agba State.
This move, they contend, would foster a deeper sense of belonging for the Igede people through their ancestral connection to Agba.
For the Idoma people, whose nine local government areas have never elected 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 blocks, or super-clans.
The Kwande/Ushongo axis produced Aper Aku, while the Jechira axis produced Moses Adasu and the current governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.
The Jemgbah bloc produced George Akume, the Sankera bloc produced Gabriel Suswam, and Samuel Ortom is of the Minda Block.
“Benue State will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. No community should be relegated to perpetual political obscurity for such an extended period,” Professor Ochefu asserted.
“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.”
The constitutional hearing witnessed a substantial turnout from members of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Jos branch, the 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 assured stakeholders that the 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,” he stated.
“Our message is unequivocal: the time for excuses has passed. We are prepared to be counted.”