A priest, after 35 years of service in the state’s suburbs, entered partisan politics. He readily transitioned, drawing on his deep understanding of community needs, honed through decades of pastoral work. However, he found a notable difference between the church’s emphasis on truth and the often-complicated world of partisan politics, noting a struggle with the need to adhere to party lines. His experience reveals an understanding of human psychology and community dynamics, leading to an approach focused on empowering constituents rather than simply providing solutions. While the transition presented challenges related to the principle of subsidiarity (empowering people to solve their own problems), he found the experience valuable and believes it could be a source of valuable insights for future study.
Benue State’s history of pastoralism, dating back to before its 1976 independence, has been significantly altered by the 1999 ECOWAS protocol on cross-border grazing. While traditional transhumance patterns were largely peaceful, the protocol’s implementation appears to have drastically increased conflicts. The speaker argues that the protocol likely did not adequately address the complexities of such movements, and suggests it may need revision. The result is widespread insecurity, with nearly 2/3 of the state’s local governments impacted, leading to an estimated 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue by June 2024. The situation, the speaker claims, is considerably worse than in previous years, impacting a substantial portion of the state’s population.
Prior to the current administration, accurate data on displacement and conflict in Benue State was lacking. The administration gathered data with UN assistance, using the IOM. Benue was historically a major agricultural producer (yams, soybeans, etc.), but the arrival of armed conflict, driven by planned attacks, land grabbing, and displacement, has severely impacted this. The speaker argues that this conflict is now organized, calculated, and involves mercenaries, aiming to destabilize and displace local communities. This, combined with population growth and climate change, has forced a dramatic shift in traditional pastoral practices. The lack of prior data made a response challenging, but now, with gathered information, a plan has been developed to address the IDP crisis, focusing on assimilation, relocation, and providing security and livelihoods.
The speaker outlines Benue State’s multifaceted crisis, stemming from a combination of factors. He argues that the ECOWAS trans-human protocol needs revision to address internal security issues, particularly in light of organized attacks and land grabbing, often involving mercenaries from neighboring countries. The state maintains 14 IDP camps as a short-term solution and aims to return displaced persons to their ancestral lands. He emphasizes the need for long-term strategies involving security, border control, and a re-evaluation of the existing protocol.
The speaker also addresses state finances, highlighting his administration’s commitment to timely salary payments to civil servants and pensioners. He asserts that funds for these payments were available all along, though bureaucratic inefficiencies hindered their distribution. This fiscal responsibility is contrasted with previous administrations’ perceived failures. The speaker acknowledges the unpopularity of this policy within some elite groups who prefer continued financial dependency.
The speaker highlights improvements in Benue State, emphasizing successful salary payments and infrastructure projects (water works). He attributes these achievements to effective planning, execution, and the right personnel. He also addresses criticisms, stating his administration has resolved outstanding debts from prior administrations.
Turning to the Judiciary, the speaker denies any tension, explaining that requests for the Chief Judge’s removal were handled through appropriate channels (the National Judicial Council). He claims the Chief Judge’s perceived grievances have been transferred to the NJC, and that the state has granted the judiciary complete independence. He asserts that salary increases were granted to judiciary workers, alongside those for other state employees.
Politically, the speaker acknowledges the resistance from some political interests, describing it as a natural response to positive change. He stresses that his administration is committed to transparency and accountability regarding state finances, ensuring proper distribution of funds to the public. He argues that despite potential negative influences, the current path serves the majority.