By The Sam-Agwa Observatory
There is something profoundly instructive about a rainbow coalition of politically estranged bedfellows suddenly discovering a common language TO STOP ALIA ahead of 2027. When politicians with vaporizing histories, ambitions, political grievances and sharply uncoordinated political philosophies abruptly GANG against one man, the knowledgeably discerning voter must peep beyond the hullabaloo of the “raging” unity and interrogate the purpose of such rainbow-ling and ” coalition-ing”.
The emerging “tower of Babel” against Governor Alia should not automatically be mistaken for a MOVEMENT of redemption or a political crusade seeking a common good or advancing proBenue essence. Certainly, it is not a gathering of superior ideas or goodwill, but a convergence of people driven and united by vengeance, justifiably or otherwise. It is gathering of proponents of zero party discipline, zero common good yet 100% individualism.
But Benue must make no mistake that the rainbow coalition is for change. IT is a ferocious coalition of the willing, with cash and glamor ready to roll out the bullion vans. IT IS a bowing rainbow for the restoration of lost privileges, displaced tiers of influence, and renewed access to the inner chambers of political decision-making and power. They have gathered.
Granted, democracy actually permits alliances, even between former adversaries, as is the case in today’s Benue state. But the point is that those who align must be bold with their true intentions no matter how selfish and self serving; which is precisely the case with the BENUE coalition.
They may gang up against Alia metaphorically or otherwise, but Benue people must ask the more crucial question. Which is? What exactly are they united to achieve beyond removing Alia? Is it that Alia is not building Benue at all or what exactly? Ask your questions and if you are okay fine. If you are not and is in wonderment about the latest conspiracy against Alia DON’T give them your ears. THEIR SUDDEN CLAMOUR AND CONFRATERNITY GET K LEG.
No superior ideas on the table, no better or clearer governance proposals, no appealing people’s creed in sight. No better alternative policy direction and above all no restitution for past sins against the people of Benue!!! The COALITION OF THE BRUISED EGOS!
A coalition, majorly made of angry political entrepreneurs simply seeking another opportunity to reinvent itself for power without a clear blueprint except the slogan, ALIA MUST NOT COME BACK needs to be suspected and treated cancerously. Vengeance has never been an effective political strategy. Also, living in self denial doesn’t guarantee political victory in any form. More fundamentally, no dose of hate or hostile maneuvers can smoothen the paths that guarantee true political and electoral victory.
While Governor Alia is not entirely beyond criticism, nor exempt from public scrutiny, it takes more than just hate and vengeance to make a point where necessary.
I do believe as most BENUE people do, that the imperfections of an administration must not become an excuse for surrendering the state’s future to an alliance whose constituents may have little in common beyond their opposition to the incumbent. Nothing more. Get out the incumbent by any means necessary!
The 2027 election must certainly be more than personalities and elite rivalries. It must be about whether the direction of governance in the state offers a credible pathway towards better opportunity and inclusive development for all, particularly those in the forgotten corners of BENUE! This is all that should matter and nor personal and group grievances against a performing governor.
Gov Alia represents a continuing possibility of hope for the ordinary Benue citizen. That possibility deserves a fair and just assessment, not destruction merely to quench the growing discontent of those who have presumably used up their time without much value to the people of Benue.
In 2027, Benue people must demand to know what those seeking ALIA’S removal intend to replace him with. If continuity offers the stronger promise for Benue’s future, then Alia deserves another mandate. I think that is the crux and the bottom line.
*Beware of this Benue Rainbow Against Alia. It’s love for Benue is not well intentioned.
