When representatives of the hefty population of Benue State residents on the Plateau decided to pay a solidarity visit to the office of the Hon. Chairman of Jos-North Local Government Council on Tuesday 2nd of July 2026, the event was both historically and politically momentous. Benue Political Forum,an amalgam of all ethnic groups in Benue State rallying together to preserve and promote inclusive political and socio-economic development of Nigeria were warmly received by the executive chairman of the Council Hon Samuel Bala Umaru and his Councillors. The courtesy visit was viewed by members of the public who spoke to Wind Sound Africa as timely and long overdue.
Rev. Hycinth Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State
Prior to the creation of Benue State in 1976 by General Murtala Mohammed military administration, the ethnic nationalities that presently combine to identify itself as Benue Political Forum co-existed as Benue Plateau State under the former Nigerian twelve-states federating system. During that era, peace and unity prevailed. Injustice to one individual, irrespective of tribe or religion, was considered injustice to all and condemned. Crimes committed against citizens were promptly served with punishments. Truth and confidence between the government and the people flourished. Internal security was as solid as the rocks that line the Benue Plateau skylines. Jobs waited for those who were studying in schools and the cost of justice in the courts of law were mere truths told before the judges.
During the courtesy visit, the Benue Political Forum lamented the present predicaments of Benue State citizens on the Plateau at the socio-political fronts. They informed the Chairman and the Council members that while Benue State citizens resident on the Plateau have consistently voted in favor of the various governments in power, they have remained neglected during moments of encouragement through political power allocation.
The Tie Tiv of Jos who spoke on behalf of the group pointed out the number of peace-building and other achievements recorded over time under his leadership and requested that the group should be given commensurate consideration during political appointments, even if it is at the humble level of a Supervisory Councillor. He conveyed the desire of the group to visit the Executive Governor of the State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang to show their political solidarity , requesting him to pave the way for the visit in the nearest future.
In his response, the Hon. Chairman thanked Benue Political Forum members for the show of love and political solidarity. He pointed out that their visit was a reflection of the type of unity that pervaded the land during the era of old Benue State and promised to facilitate the visit to the Executive Governor at the earliest possible time.
Hon. Barr. John Kyohroh Christopher, Chairman Jos North Local Government Council
Public commentators who spoke to Wind Sound Africa on the visit described the visit as a historical and political handshake across River Benue which has been long overdue. They said late Barrister Solomon Daushep Lar, Joseph Takar, Dr. Idoko Obe and Ajene Ukpabi must be smiling in their graves as a result of the visit and the great nostalgia it represents.
In an evolving world order where economic and political interests are dictated mainly by the theory of “The Bigger, The Stronger’, the steps initiated by the Benue Political Forum needs to be hailed and supported by all. As Nigeria steps forward into the election year 2027, all hands need to be placed on the table and work towards the historic goal of peace and progress for all, the people of Benue and Plateau States included.
