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TOR VANDE-ACKA
MAKURDI: The Idoma Youth Patriotic Movement (IYPM) has raised an alarm over a grand plot to replace the Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode, with the House of Representatives (HoR), member for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Ojuto Ojema, as the running mate of Governor Hyacinth Alia, for the 2027 elections.
The group which alleged that the plan to replace Ode, was hatched at the palace of the Och’Idoma, declared that it was unacceptable to replace Ode, with Ojema, who is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and is presently being wooed to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement made available to INDEPENDENT in Makurdi, IYPM, pointed out that although they do not have the power to decide who runs with Governor Alia, they argued that should the decision be implemented, it would bring about a sharp division in Idoma land, which is also known as Benue South senatorial district.
The statement which was signed by James Ochoga and Friday Adah, President and Secretary of the group, respectively, strongly condemned the move and called on people of good conscience to ensure that the plan to remove Ode, does not happen.
According to the statement, “The Idoma Youth Patriotic Movement (IYPM), congratulates Governor Hyacinth Alia for his election and the wonderful achievements he has recorded in the last two years. As we said in 2023, we are fully in support of your administration and will work for your re-election in 2027. We strongly believe in your leadership and we always respect all your decisions.
“However, we are worried over the growing rumours going round Benue South Senatorial District that you have decided to replace your current Deputy, Dr Sam Ode in 2027. These rumours are growing so fast and strong to the extent that some individuals who are not members of the progressive family are said to be among those being considered.
“As a body we do not have any power to choose who will run with you in 2027, but we appeal that should you decide to drop your current deputy, kindly consider those within the progressive family not opposition members.
“We fear that if this rumours are true the matter is capable of causing serious division in Idoma land. This is because the current deputy governor is also a bonafide son of the Idoma nation and deserves equal treatment.
“He must not be treated with such disdain and disrespect; he deserves our respect. He has never been found wanting at least to our knowledge while serving in that capacity” (as deputy governor).
While IYPM further alleged that there were powerful forces in Benue South senatorial district, behind the plot to remove Sam Ode, it stated that should the plot come to fruition, it would set a dangerous precedence.
It explained that “At the moment, supporters of the HoR member for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Hon. Ojuto Ojema (PDP) are celebrating on the streets of Agatu that he was invited by the Governor to defect from the PDP into the APC and become his running mate in 2027.
“These supporters are also claiming that very powerful people at the Och’Idoma palace were behind the deal to replace the deputy (Ode) with Ojema.The group seriously cautions the Governor and the APC not to be excited about Hon. Ojotu Ojema who has since met stiff opposition and rejection of his second term ambition to return to the green chamber.
“He largely accounts for the mass defection of their (PDP) members to the ADC in Apa/Agatu, federal constituency, making him a political liability. He is only looking for political refuge, which must be resisted at all cost.
“We view this development as a very terrible precedent should the Governor and the good people of the Idoma nation allow this to happen. We the Youths have watched and seen how the current deputy governor has displayed his extraordinary loyalty and respect to the Governor.”