Line Up of Big Names in Senator Akume Led Coalition Ahead of Battle for the Soul of Nigeria’s Benue State

The intellectual, ideological and other battle commanders involved in the Senator George Akume led coalition ostensibly ‘to Save Benue State’ is now known. It is a lineup of political heavies from the beleaguered state. Not even Chief Audu Ogbeh, former Minister of Agriculture in Buhari’s first term who is hitherto thought to have exited partisan politics because of his involvement with the Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), is missing. He is number 31 on the list.

Also on the list is Chief Steven Lawani, immediate past Deputy-Gov of Benue State

Senator Barnabas Gemade, 2nd on the list

The list which is not exclusive to Intervention shows notable national players such as Senator Ameh Ebute, a former president of the Senate during the IBB transition; Senator Barnabas Gemade, a former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP); a number of governorship aspirants for the 2023 contest; many other senators; retired Generals; serving legislators; men of God; academics and businessmen, among others.

As Intervention now correctly hinted yesterday, the Akume battle commanders might have a delayed strategy. They are posting what can be called a narrative of “Saving Benue from insecurity arising from the poor handling of the situation by Governor Ortom”.

Victory in this war will not depend upon the truth or facts but on deft language game in the days ahead. At the moment, it is something like a “coalition to save Benue” versus “the defender of the Benue Valley”. Ortom’s narrative is the current hegemonic discourse of the reality. The coalition’s narrative which they have yet to frame sharply is the emerging counter-hegemonic narrative. Victory in all postmodern wars since the end of the Cold War has been decided by narrativity. It will be interesting to see how this particular clash of narratives and narrativity will be won and lost.

Fortunately and unfortunately, the entire Nigeria is the audience. Some people will even argue that it is beyond Nigeria because Gov Ortom’s representation of what is at stake is rebuffing Fulanisation and Islamisation while the coalition will be selling the narrative of prolificacy and abandonment of the people by the governor.

1. Senator Ameh Ebute, CON (Former Senate President) FRN.
2. Senator Barnabas Gemade,OFR,
3. Senator Jacob Tilley-Gyado, OFR .
4. Senator Joseph Akaagerger.
5. Maj Gen Lawrence Onoja,mni.
6. Maj Gen India Garba, Rtd.
7. Commodore  Dan Hinga, Rtd.
8. Hon Blessing Mark-Onuh ( MHR)
9. Hon Samuel Godday ( MHR) .
10. Barr Patricia Kupchi. (Federal Commissioner, NPC)
11. Chief Samuel Adaa- Maagbe, (Federal Commissioner, RMAFC)
12. Hon Barr Sam Ode, mni (Former Minister FRN)
13. Chief John Ochoga.
14. Chief Steven Lawani,  OFR, (Former Deputy Governor BNS)
15. Bishop Pinot Ogbaji.
16. Dr Isaac Egboja.
17. Alhaji Usman Abubakar.  (Young Alhaji)
18. Prof John Enyi .
19. Prof Terhemba Shija.
20. Amb Matthew Adoli (Former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo)
21. Prof Moses Ogbaji
22. Arc Benard Yisa
23. Chief Mrs Helen Bendega
24. Chief Mrs Kate Nomhwange.
25. Amb Dickson Akor
26. Hon Nelson Alapa ( Fmr MHR)
27. Prof Bem Angwe
28. Rt Hon Ralph Igbago
29. Hon Titus Zam
30. Hon Dickson Tarkigh ( Fmr MHR)
31. Chief Audu Ogbe.
32.  Prof Eugene Aliegba
33. Engr Morgan Okwoche
34. Hajia M Bagu
35. Maj Gen Harrison Adoga, Rtd.
36. Rt Hon Emma Udende, ( Fmr MHR)
37. Hon Solomon Wombo
38. Mr Chris Adoka
39. Hon Dan Ale
40. Hon Barr Omale Omale.
41. Comrade Abba Yaro.
42. Alh Hassan Mohammed.
43. Chief Terlumun Akputu.
44. Hon Lawrence Onoja Jr.
45. Chief Ode Omerigbe .
46. Hon David Ogewu.
47. Hon Ochai Onazi.
48. Barr Jacob Ajene.
49. Rt Hon Nick Eworo.
50. Hon Egboja Egboja.
51. Chief Ameh Udoh