Catholic Priest Condemns Governor Alia Denying Christian Genocide In Benue, Urges Truth Courage And Moral Responsibility

 

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Fr. Chidi Phillip, has publicly criticised Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for his dismissal of claims regarding a Christian genocide in the state. The priest’s comments follow statements made by the governor at a recent public event, where he insisted that insecurity exists in Benue but denied that it amounts to religious, ethnic, or racial genocide.

Governor Alia, who retains his ordination as a Catholic priest, emphasized that his faith continues to guide his governance, asserting that he remains a Reverend Father despite his political role. He stated that while the state faces security challenges, there is no deliberate targeting of any group based on religion, ethnicity, race, nationality, or state affiliation.

Fr. Phillip, however, accused the governor of betraying his priestly vows by prioritizing political interests over moral responsibility and the protection of his people. He described Governor Alia as a “total disgrace to the Catholic priesthood” and expressed deep disappointment that a man once ordained to defend truth and the vulnerable would now appear to defend political narratives instead.

The priest highlighted the widespread violence in Benue communities, citing incidents of entire villages being destroyed, churches burned, farmers killed, women assaulted, and settlements forcibly taken over. Fr. Phillip argued that a Catholic priest’s duty is to speak courageously for the weak, not to downplay their suffering for political expediency.

Fr. Phillip’s Facebook post stressed that ordination leaves an enduring mark, and even though Governor Alia has embraced politics, the moral obligations of priesthood remain. He wrote that truth, courage, and moral clarity should come first for someone with a priestly background, warning that mixing priesthood with political ambition often leads to compromise and silence in the face of injustice.

According to Fr. Phillip, instead of raising his voice for the persecuted, the governor has chosen to align with narratives that serve political interests, particularly those that maintain his government relationships. The priest criticized Alia for prioritizing a potential second tenure over the lives of his people, describing this approach as a betrayal of both his flock and his religious calling.

The priest urged Governor Alia to consider the long-term legacy of his actions, stressing that history will remember the moment when a Catholic priest chose political convenience over defending the blood of his own people. Fr. Phillip concluded with a personal appeal, encouraging the governor to act with courage, speak the truth, and acknowledge the suffering of those under his governance.