Makurdi Government House: Tiv versus Idoma

In places where two or three are gathered, people are always discussing this matter; and several politicians on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have arrayed themselves for the contest to succeed the outgoing governor.While many well-meaning indigenes of the state are of the opinion that after several years of dominance by the […]

In places where two or three are gathered, people are always discussing this matter; and several politicians on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have arrayed themselves for the contest to succeed the outgoing governor.
While many well-meaning indigenes of the state are of the opinion that after several years of dominance by the Tiv political elite, in the interest of equity and justice, Zone C should be given the opportunity to produce the next governor, many others, however, are still of the opinion that the Tiv, who are in the majority, should continue to govern the state.
Consequently, over a dozen Tiv men and women have openly indicated their intention and are quietly campaigning for the coveted position.
The Nigerian constitution stipulates that the governor must have a deputy who does not come from the same geographical location as himself. The constitution also envisages that for whatever reasons, the governor could relinquish his position and be succeeded by his deputy as the case may be. Therefore, the choice of a deputy governor is equally as important as that of the governor. The absurdity and abnormality of the Nigerian situation is that deputy governors are never seen as possible successors.
This is in sharp contrast to the situation in the United States of America where vice presidents have automatic tickets to succeed their presidents when their tenures end.
The question on the lips of so many people is: Why nominate a man whom you believe cannot succeed you when the constitution states that in case of any eventuality, that man becomes the helmsman? Let it also be known that in the United States, seven vice presidents became what is known as “accidental presidents.” Examples are Johnson after the assassination of President Kennedy, Spiro Agney after the resignation of Richard Nixon.
President Goodluck Jonathan also took over the mantle of leadership after the demise of Umaru Yar’Adua. In Kaduna State, the late Patrick Yakowa became governor after the appointment of Namadi Sambo as vice president. Alhaji Yero also took over after the demise of Patrick Yakowa.
Now, will it not be better if various political parties nominate candidates with good credentials to take over from their bosses when the need arises? This will go a long way in solving the problem of marginalisation.
In Benue, the Tiv have occupied the governorship seat since the creation of the state in 1976. In this democratic dispensation, former Governor Akume and incumbent Gabriel Suswam are from two senatorial districts in Tiv land, while the third senatorial district is located within Idoma.
While many political observers concede that because of their population, the Tiv can afford to rule for several years, but it is abnormal for them to perpetually hold that position to the detriment of other tribes.
When Governor Suswam chose Chief Steve Lawani as his deputy in the year 2007, it was quietly believed that this is the man he would anoint as his successor. This contention is further strengthened by the fact that since their inauguration, the governor and his deputy have been working without rancour. Before taking the appointment, Chief Lawani was a successful businessman, hence the governor believed in his ability to oversee the affairs of the state when he is not there. Of all the people who have expressed their intention to contest for the governorship position from Zone C, Chief Steve Lawani stands the best chance of acceptability by the Tiv, Idoma and other ethnic groups in the state.
At this time of socio-political development in the state we need a man of his wealth of experience.
As the 2015 general elections draw near, the Idoma should learn from their past experiences and be prepared to speak with one voice. To our Tiv brothers and sisters, fair play and equity demand that the Idoma for once, should be given the opportunity to govern Benue State after Suswam.
Adams, a political analyst, wrote from Abuja