From Rose Ejembi and Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
The leadership of G-9 Benue South Progressives Forum, has declined the appointment of its members  into the APC Governorship Campaign Council.
This was contained in a statement signed by the forum Publicity Secretary, Akor Ikwuoche, and made available to our correspondent in Makurdi.
The forum said the decision was to maintain the sanctity of their ideological conviction and commitment to defending the pride and dignity of the Idoma nation.
“This action does not in any way mean withdrawal of support for the APC or its Candidates by G-9 or the affected members, however, the group considers it immoral to accept any appointment under the current state leadership which has no respect for APC  stakeholders in Idoma land when it comes to running  the State affairs.
“The G-9 has in several agitations demanded that the Tiv-controlled State leadership of the party allow the Idoma people to decide their political affairs by themselves and not by imposition from the Tiv leaders but all that outcry meant nothing to the state leadership.
“It will therefore amount to greater insult on the Idoma people if Idoma leaders accept responsibility under a leadership that does not accord the Idoma people any iota of dignity or fair share.”
Some of the members include Chief Nelson Alapa, Abba Yaro, Engr Morgan Okwoche, Theresa Ikwue, Austin Oleho, Bernard Ochepa, Michael Oglegba, Barr Akor Ikwuoche, Barr Oche Emmanuel, Prof Dickson Akoh, Engr. Johnson Agada, Sunday Odeje, Anne Itodo Benjamin.
When contacted, the Organizing Secretary of APC, Mr James Ornguga, said he was still trying to reach the PRO of the group to ascertain the truth of the matter.
“So I have not established whether that is the true position of things or it’s a mere speculation.”
He said he was also making efforts to meet the people whose names were mentioned in the statement to know if that is their true position.