Catholic Priest Slams Governor Alia, Accuses Him of Betraying Benue’s Suffering

Rev. Fr. Prince Chidi Philip has accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of abandoning the moral obligations of his priestly vocation and downplaying the humanitarian crisis unfolding across Benue state.

This comes after governor Alia stated that while there might be insecurity, there is no Christian prosecution in Benue.

Fr. Philip criticised the governor for distancing himself from the Church after pursuing political office, arguing that despite no longer being in formal union with the priesthood, the spiritual responsibilities of ordination remain. He said the people of Benue expected truth, courage, and moral clarity from a man who once took vows to defend the weak.

The cleric condemned the governor’s recent insistence that there is no religiously targeted violence in Benue, describing the position as a denial of the suffering experienced by communities that have faced killings, displacement, and destruction of property. He argued that the governor’s stance contradicts the reality of villages overrun by attackers, churches destroyed, and civilians killed or assaulted.

According to Fr. Philip, the governor has chosen political convenience over the defence of his people, prioritising his administration’s image instead of acknowledging the severity of the crisis. He said the move represents a departure from the principles expected of anyone who once stood at the altar to preach justice and compassion.

He further warned that the Church’s long-standing decision to bar priests from holding political office was justified, noting that politics demands compromise while priesthood is rooted in truth. Attempting to merge the two, he argued, inevitably sacrifices moral integrity.

Fr. Philip says Gov Alia downplaying crisis

Fr. Philip expressed sadness that the governor, once seen as a spiritual shepherd, now appears aligned with those seeking to downplay the crisis. He added that history would remember the governor’s comments as a moment when a leader failed to defend his people at a critical time.

The priest urged Governor Alia to reconsider his stance and speak honestly about the situation in Benue, insisting that the pursuit of a second term should not come at the cost of the lives and dignity of the state’s residents.

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