Benue State Has No Room for Pochocracy –By Matthew Ma

“Unlike other states where politicians received food and cash, the governor of Benue State refused to play by the rules. He refused to partake in pochocracy. Instead, he chose a unique approach by paying fees for public exams for school children. This was a deliberate effort to support not just the APC but also the entire population of Benue State. Once a student qualifies to take the exams, they will benefit regardless of whether their parent(s) voted for Alia or not.”

I recently came across an informative article written by Felix Terver that delves into the concept of Pochocracy, a term that may be unfamiliar to some readers. Before delving into its consequences within government, let us first define what Pochocracy represents and its origins. Mr. Terver explains that Pochocracy is derived from the word pocho, a famous local stew among the Tiv people of Nigeria’s Benue, Taraba, Plateau, and Nasarawa States. Within political circles, pocho have become a reference to money unlawfully obtained from public funds and distributed among corrupt politicians or their supporters. Synonyms such as “pochophily,” which refers to a love of pocho, have also emerged. Essentially, a person who loves pocho is termed a pochophily. On the other hand, there is a unique fear known as pochophobia – the fear of consuming pocho. Essentially, those who suffer from this fear are identified as having pochophobia. Mr. Terver coined the term “pochology” to refer to the study of pocho. Therefore, a student who engages in the study of pocho is said to be studying pochology. Similarly, Mr. Terver also created the term “pochophagy” to describe the process of consuming pocho by a pochocrat – a term he used to describe those with pocho-centric beliefs. Additionally, he referred to the storage of pocho as a “pochobank” and labeled those with pochocratic ideologies as “pochosense.” In situations where someone excels in pocho-making or possesses exceptional qualities regarding pocho, Mr. Terver referred to them as a “pochogenius.” The head of the pochocratic school of thought was dubbed a “pocholegend,” while someone learning to become a certified pochocrat was labeled a “pochoprentis.” Finally, Mr. Terver concluded his terminology with “pochosynthesis,” a process or means through which pocho is created or realized. Unfortunately, this process often involves negative actions such as verbal and physical assault, insult to perceived antagonists of pocho-stakeholders, thuggery, and election rigging. Lastly, Mr. Terver referred to someone whose only means of survival is pocho as a “pochopreneur.” The aforementioned terminologies are likely to capture the attention of the esteemed Patrick Obahiagbon, who has a reputation for possessing a vast vocabulary. It is possible that he may decide to add these terms to his personal lexicon.

This article agrees with Mr. Terver’s analysis of the political situation in Benue State, which is based on the use of pocho amidst the controversies and polarization surrounding the governor and the All-Progressive Congress (APC) stakeholders. In the 2023 general elections, the All-Progressives Congress (APC) party in Benue State was united, unlike their main rival, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which was struggling with internal conflicts. The party’s gubernatorial candidate, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, played a significant role in the APC’s victory due to his widespread appeal and the party’s unity. The success of the Alia campaign propelled many of the APC’s candidates to victory. However, it is still being determined why the party’s fortunes declined after such a resounding win at the polls. What is responsible for this? Those who are not in the know may ask. Several things are behind it – chief among them is urged to exercise power, desire to dip hands into public funds and greed. The situation continues to grow more complex, with dramatic facades adding to the confusion. Despite this, many onlookers find the conspiracy to be fascinating. At its core, the political crisis is an intra-party conflict, with the All-Progressives Congress (APC) mobilizing against Governor Alia. Those who are familiar with Nigerian politics will recognize that Alia faced a complex path from the beginning, much like a grueling swim across the River Benue.

There has been some speculation regarding the governor’s rift with APC stakeholders. What started as a mere rumor has escalated into a full-fledged conflict between Benue State Governor Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia and some key stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State. As the situation continues to affect the party, people have accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume as one of the individuals responsible. The feud between the SGF and the governor initially surfaced during the election of the Speaker of the House of Assembly. The dispute first arose on June 5 when Mr. Aondona Dajoh was chosen as Speaker of the House of Assembly. The appointment of Dajoh, who was Governor Alia’s preferred candidate, was met with resistance from Senator George Akume’s preferred candidate and former Media Aide, Mrs. Becky Orpin. On election day, Dajoh emerged victorious over Mrs. Orpin in a very close race, winning by just two votes with a total of 17 votes compared to Orpin’s 15. Governor Alia and several of his appointees, including Chief of Staff Mr. Paul Biam and APC State Chairman Comrade Austin Agada, witnessed the House election. The election marked a turning point in the relationship between Alia and Senator Akume, causing tension and anxiety to escalate on the House floor. Although other political figures intervened to avoid any physical altercations, the Benue APC has never been the same since the divisive election.

The latest weapon in the conflict emerged during a recent meeting, where the chairpersons of 23 APC Local Government Areas expressed their concerns about Governor Alia’s leadership style. They accused the Governor of running a solo government without consulting party loyalists and stakeholders. The chairpersons notably raised issues about the recent composition of the 23 LG caretaker committees, which they claimed was done without the input of relevant stakeholders. They also criticized the Governor’s unilateral approach to handling the affairs of the state without recourse to the party leadership and members. According to the chairpersons, Governor Alia’s actions could be interpreted as being anti-party, ungrateful, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the APC foundation and structure in Benue State. As a result, the Forum resolved to disassociate herself from the state and Local Government functions if the Governor did not address the issues raised. They also plan to stage peaceful protests at various locations to register their grievances. However, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment, Mr. Moses Mkeenem, expressed concern over the accusations made by APC LG chairpersons against Governor Alia. He believed that Comrade Austin Agada, the State Chairman of the party, was responsible for instigating the rebellion. As a leader, Comrade Agada should have used appropriate channels to seek redress rather than resorting to protests that could lead to violence. The youth wing of Benue State called on Comrade Austin Agada to step aside due to a lack of leadership qualities, allowing a competent individual to take over and effectively lead the party towards peace, progress, and unity. Mr. Mkeenem found the fallacy by the APC LG Chairmen, instigated by Agada that Governor Alia is not working with the party to be unfortunate and condemnable. The Governor has been tirelessly working towards building the broom party, as demonstrated in the support he provided during the recent stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in the state. Mr. Agada is not the Deputy Governor of Benue State and cannot be an alternative to the Governor. Therefore, he should not be running a parallel administration.
The situation worsened the following day when the APC released a statement through its Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, alleging that certain officials within the Benue State Government were planning to organize protests against President Bola Tinubu, the SGF, Senator Akume, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The party claimed the demonstrations were designed to prevent the President from signing off on the Senate’s recent resolution to withhold funds from Local Government Caretaker Committees across the Federation. According to Mr. Ihomun, the plot had already begun with the demand that the Party Chairman in the State, Comrade Austin Agada, resign without any valid reason. The party considers this act of sabotage to be a severe threat to the unity of both the State and the party, as members who claim allegiance to the APC and work within an APC State government would openly protest against their own President, Senate President, and SGF in an effort to obstruct the government’s actions regarding a legal matter. He expressed concern that the organizers may attempt to embarrass the President and his administration during their planned protest. While he acknowledges their right to free expression, he believes that actions with sinister motives must be halted. He called on the Inspector General of Police and the Benue State Commissioner of Police to closely monitor the protest. He also urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to keep a watchful eye on any unscrupulous individuals who may use his name to incite anarchy in the State. Additionally, he implored the security agencies in the State to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to sow division and undermine the peace of the State.

Allegations have emerged that a supremacy fight has resurfaced in the State Assembly. Fifteen members who supported Mrs. Becky Orpin during the speakership election were reportedly denied the first set of official cars procured for the Assembly by the State government, worsening the already fragile peace in the House. The crisis escalated further when four members of the House, known as leaders of the G-22, were suspended for a month after allegedly opposing the inauguration of the LG Caretaker Committees for the 21 LGA. The House Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, claimed that they were suspended for engaging in acts of sabotage against the House. The lawmakers suspended were Mr. Solomon Gyila, Douglass Akya, Dyako Ashwa, and Anthony Agom. The suspension motion was moved by the Majority Leader and seconded by Mr. Peter Ipusu. Concerned about the threat to the very foundation of the APC in the State, selected elders and stakeholders of the party, including former Senate President Ameh Ebute, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Joseph Akaagerger, and General Lawrence Onoja, among others, have intervened to restore sanity. However, their efforts have yet to yield any positive result, as disclosed by Senator Ebute, who expressed his frustration to journalists that the concerned parties had shunned the efforts of his team.

Senator Ebute attributed the crisis to a struggle for control over the party leadership in the State. He expressed disappointment that the meeting aimed at bringing peace was unsuccessful, as the parties involved were obstinate and unyielding in their refusal to accept their decisions. In his view, discipline is a necessary component of any organization’s progress. We must exercise restraint and foster respect within the party’s membership. He emphasized that he found it hard to believe that prominent members of a political party would refuse to come to the discussion table after meeting with the governor and calling for peace. For him, this represents a clear departure from the kind of politics he is familiar with. Many analysts are closely watching the unfolding political developments in the State with concern, as ceaseless nocturnal meetings are being held in various locations by significant gladiators in the dispute. There are fears that the last has yet to be heard of this crisis, as each party tries to outdo the other and take complete control of the APC political structure in Benue. Joe Bukka, the Convener of the Middle Belt Movement for Justice and Peace, believes that the political peace in the State has been murdered, and restoring confidence and harmony among the feuding parties will be challenging. The party has been factionalized, and unfortunately, there is nothing anyone can do to rescue the situation.

What actions has Governor Alia taken those stakeholders considered sinful? First, they accused him of influencing the State assembly to elect a speaker who went against the wishes of the party’s Leader. It was rumored that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who is also known as the Leader of APC in Benue State, favored Becky Orpin. Governor Alia prevented that from happening and instead worked towards the selection of Aondona Dajoh. Although the Leader’s supporters saw this as a significant insult to his authority, party members have repeatedly denied any major conflict between Alia and the Leader despite continuing to fan the flames. The appointment of men and women in public offices has caused some stress and frustration. Like many politicians, members of the APC who worked hard for the party’s victory hoped for some reward, such as a desirable state office position. Some even had their sights set on specific jobs and felt that no one else deserved them. However, they were left waiting without any communication from Alia, which made it increasingly difficult to reach him. As a result, some of these members became angry and upset. If you hear a Benue State APC member complain that Alia is not consulting with them, this is likely the reason.

The next matter concerns the issue of palliative. When the Federal Government allocated money for the people of Benue State, known as palliative, to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the APC thought it was an opportunity to enrich themselves. Political stakeholders wanted the governor to invite them to a round table to distribute portions of the funds so they could showcase their heroism and superiority in their local areas. Unlike other States where politicians received food and cash, the governor of Benue State refused to play by the rules. He refused to partake in pochocracy. Instead, he chose a unique approach by paying fees for public exams for school children. This was a deliberate effort to support not just the APC but also the entire population of Benue State. Once a student qualifies to take the exams, they will benefit regardless of whether their parent(s) voted for Alia or not. Additionally, the governor acquired vehicles for mass transport, which has significantly reduced the cost of transportation in Benue State. However, the APC stakeholders saw this as an act of unkindness by the governor.

The final straw that caused an uproar was the governor’s decision to appoint caretaker committees for the dissolved local councils. According to the APC, the appointments were made unilaterally by the governor, which caused excitement among the party leaders. When the local council chairpersons were dismissed, the APC stakeholders supported the move, viewing it as a chance to gain entry into the council offices previously occupied by the PDP. Meanwhile, the opposition PDP was expressing their anger and frustration. When the governor announced the caretaker committees for the councils, the APC stakeholders became even more incensed, and the complaints grew louder. Eventually, a prominent member of the party who could no longer remain silent, wrote an open letter to the governor, revealing the discontent among the Benue State APC leaders. Since then, there have been ongoing disputes between the APC and the governor, marked by sharp and critical comments. Meanwhile, the PDP is closely observing and enjoying the events unfolding in the ruling party. Amidst this turmoil, the governor is eager to earn the trust and support of the people who steadfastly believe that he is the savior of Benue State. They have even coined a catchphrase, “Alia doo,” which means Alia is good and governor talk and do, or Mr. 25th. They can list numerous accomplishments of the Alia-led administration and pay no attention to those who criticize it. They proudly point out that within a few months, the administration has renovated the State assembly building, constructed roads, ensured timely payment of salaries and pensions, and more. They view the administration as a bulwark against rampant corruption in Benue State.

The governor has been steadfast in his stance, asserting that he cannot be cowed. A video circulating on social media shows him addressing his enthusiastic supporters and declaring that no one holds absolute power over Benue State. How far the governor will go with his style of governance remains to be seen. Nonetheless, Alia has a decision to make. He can either heed the politicians’ demands and align with them to share the pocho, or he can take a stand and collaborate with experts and individuals of integrity to effect positive change in Benue State. Ultimately, the choice lies with him. Similarly, the APC faces a decision: they can either persist in their attacks and divert the governor from developing the State already suffering from insecurity and economic stagnation, or they can refrain from interference and allow him to carry out his duties. What is certain is that by persisting in its current course, the APC will only harm itself. Despite appearing strong prior to the general elections, the PDP demonstrated its capabilities in that same election. As the APC turns on itself, its members must remember that the PDP, which was previously in power, remains a significant force and is eager to return to the Government House in Makurdi. If the APC’s agitators become uncontrollable, they will have nothing left to fight for and will become mere bystanders, much like the PDP is today.

The 2019 election saw a shift in power from the PDP to the APC, with Samuel Ortom emerging as the governor. However, in the 2023 gubernatorial election, the APC candidate clinched victory with a lead of 251,020 votes. Religion played a pivotal role in determining the election’s outcome, with the APC securing wins in 20 out of the 23 local government areas, including PDP strongholds such as Konshisha LGA. The people of Benue state supported a Catholic priest, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, over the ruling party candidate because they perceived clergies possess divine leadership qualities and moral integrity, making them less prone to corruption. Catholic priests are some of the most educated individuals in the State and reside in every village, experiencing the daily struggles of life of the people. Politicians, on the other hand, only visit the town during campaigns or funerals of friends and family members. Therefore, it was natural for voters in Benue to prefer a priest, having been reinforced by the memory of a priest who served as a governor in 1992. The slogan “Yes Father” connotes deference to clergy, particularly a Reverend Father. People believe that a clergy possesses divine leadership qualities and moral integrity, making them less prone to corruption. This explains why more voters supported Fr. Hyacinth Alia over the ruling party candidate in Benue state. The phrase “Yes, Father” implies that the priest represents the people’s last hope in this context, with a moral obligation to serve social justice for the poor. Despite having little political experience, Alia was still able to secure an overwhelming vote of confidence from the majority of voters during the gubernatorial election held in March. Therefore, it was natural for voters in Benue to prefer a priest, having been reinforced by the memory of a priest who served as a governor in 1992.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) elected Very Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu as the governor of Benue State in 1992. During his tenure, several projects were initiated, including the establishment of Benue State University, the revitalization and upgrading of the College of Education in Oju, and the founding of the Tarka Foundation in honor of Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka. Fr. Adasu’s leadership style resonated with many, and in 2001, he was appointed a member of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the Nigerian Fourth Republic. His exemplary leadership demonstrated that priests could possess exceptional leadership traits, which was reinforced when Rev. Fr. Alia ran for governorship with the slogan ‘Yes Father’ in Benue State. Despite the hopeful expectations for the clergy’s leadership, the Reverend Father’s chances were also boosted by dissatisfaction with the PDP administration. The ruling party, PDP, failed to govern the State properly and was blamed for security issues, infrastructure problems, and unpaid salaries. The APC candidate promised to rehabilitate IDPs and set up emergency call centers to improve security. The people of Benue State voted for personalities rather than political parties, and the Reverend Father Alia emerged as the winner due to his perceived ability to rescue the State from its crises. Fr. Alia, who had previously considered politics a “dirty game,” now participate in politics to bring about the change he envisions for Benue.

Today, it is truly disheartening to see the Governor performing remarkably well in his role only to be subjected to intense criticism and opposition from party stakeholders. Despite his hard work and dedication to the welfare of the State and its citizens, Governor Alia is facing significant challenges that undermine his efforts and progress. The situation is particularly frustrating considering the fact that Governor Alia has consistently demonstrated his competence and ability to lead the State toward prosperity and development. It is heartbreaking to see such division when our State is well-represented at the national level, with Senator Akume serving as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Benue State’s national legislators aligned with the majority party in the Federal legislature. With a governor who is honest, focused, and dedicated to progress, we have all the necessary ingredients for success. However, for the benefit of our people, it is crucial that our political leaders put their interests aside and work together with mutual respect and cooperation. We cannot let this opportunity for progress slip away as failure to seize it will result in our State being viewed as unserious and laughed at by the world.

In just six months, Governor Alia has demonstrated that he is the leader the State has been longing for. While he may no longer be dispensing pocho to stakeholders, he is providing something much more valuable than pocho to the entire State – massive capital and infrastructural development, job creation, and poverty alleviation. This comes directly from his “Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue,” which is built on seven pillars that will lay the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable society. Within this short time, the State has already experienced prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, as well as the construction, rehabilitation, and opening of over 23 notable roads spanning varying degrees of kilometers. The Governor has also led broad comprehensive and renovation work at the State House of Assembly, the State Secretariat, the Teaching Hospital, and even training programs for youths in Information Technology to boost job creation. With so much progress already made, it begs the question: why the fight? Is anyone in the State becoming pochophobia of his leadership style?

The State’s political leaders need to acknowledge that Governor Alia currently holds the people’s mandate and, as such, is responsible for the governance of the State. He is accountable for any adverse outcomes resulting from his decisions and actions, as well as credit for any successes under his administration. It is, therefore, appropriate for Governor Alia to be given the space to make his own decisions in the event of disputes or differences in opinion. Like any other governor in the State or country, he wields full authority and should be treated as such. The governor needs to recognize, respect, and honor deserving citizens of the State. Dismissing the legitimate demands, interests, opinions, and advice of critical political stakeholders to assert authority is not advisable.

As Governor Alia assumes office, it is essential to ensure that failing to deliver on promises will have negative repercussions. To this end, individuals who do not align with his leadership approach may opt to relocate to another State of their preference. Following the completion of his eight-year term, they may return to participate in the pocho.

Rev. Ma, S.J, is a Jesuit Catholic priest and PhD candidate in public and social policy at St. Louis University in the state of Missouri, USA.