By Austin Akogwu
The Idoma people of Benue State have had significant political representation at different points in Nigeria’s history, yet their land remains underdeveloped, with high levels of unemployment and limited infrastructure. The question remains: Why has Idoma leadership failed to translate political opportunities into tangible development for its people?
MISSED POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Historically, Idoma leaders have held influential positions in different military and civilian administrations but have failed to leverage these positions for the development of their homeland. From the regime of General Yakubu Gowon to the democratic era, Idoma leaders have been at the center of power yet failed to use their influence effectively.
1. THE GOWON ERA AND THE INFLUENCE OF EDWIN OGBU
During the Yakubu Gowon regime, Edwin Ogbu, a powerful Idoma figure, had significant influence over Gowon. This was a prime opportunity for the Idoma people to push for developmental projects and state creation, but no concrete efforts were made to secure lasting benefits for Idoma land.
2. THE MURITALA/OBASANJO MILITARY ERA AND THE RISE OF DAVID MARK
During the Muritala-Obasanjo regime, David Mark, then a young military officer, became Chairman of the Abandoned Property Committee after the Civil War. This was a highly influential position, yet no major developmental strides were made for Idoma land. Later, during the civilian administration of Shehu Shagari, another Idoma son, Audu Ogbe, became Minister of Communications, yet Idoma land remained largely neglected in terms of federal presence.
3. THE IBB AND ABACHA ERAS: THE LOST APA STATE
Idoma leaders had their biggest opportunity to carve out a separate state during the military regimes of General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) and General Sani Abacha. Colonel Lawrence Onoja, a former Military Governor of Katsina and Plateau States, Colonel Chris Garuba, and Colonel David Mark were all very close to IBB. They had the political leverage to push for the creation of Apa State, a long-standing dream of the Idoma people, but the opportunity was lost.
Had the Idoma leaders prioritized the creation of Apa State when they had direct access to military heads of state, the issue of marginalization in Benue would have been solved long ago. Instead, political inaction and personal ambitions took precedence over collective progress.
WHY IDOMA LEADERSHIP HAS FAILED
Despite holding powerful positions in successive governments, Idoma leaders have failed for several reasons:
LACK OF A UNIFIED POLITICAL AGENDA
– UNLIKE OTHER ETHNIC groups that unite for a common cause, Idoma leaders have often pursued individual interests rather than fighting for the collective good of their people.
Failure to Secure Developmental Projects
– WHILE HOLDING KEY NATIONAL POSITIONS, Idoma leaders failed to bring major federal institutions, industries, or infrastructure projects to their land.
Neglect of Youth Employment and Economic Growth – Joblessness remains a major challenge in Idoma land because leaders have not prioritized economic empowerment through industries, skills acquisition programs, and business investments.
POLITICAL COMPLACENCY – Instead of aggressively lobbying for Apa State and other developmental needs, Idoma leaders remained passive, missing several opportunities to change the course of history.
THE WAY FORWARD
If Idoma is to break free from political stagnation and underdevelopment, its leaders must rethink their approach:
Push for the creation of Apa State with renewed vigor and strategic alliances.
Prioritize infrastructural development by lobbying for federal projects and investments in Idoma land.
Invest in youth empowerment programs to combat joblessness and create economic opportunities.
Build a united political front that focuses on the collective progress of the Idoma people rather than personal ambitions.
The future of Idoma depends on proactive leadership that prioritizes development over personal gain. It is time for a new era of political engagement, where leaders work selflessly to secure a better future for their people.