The Forum of Idoma, Igede and Tiv extractions of Benue State residence in Plateau State under the aegis of Benue Progressive Forum is currently facing a crisis that might lead to factionalisation.
The Chairman of the Forum in Plateau State, Sunday Obla, of Idoma extraction, was removed from office for alleged financial impropriety.
Obla’s impeachment, according to the Secretary of the Forum, David Asor, was carried out by members of the Executive Council and subsequently endorsed by members during the General Congress.
This gives room for a bye election to be conducted.
This development however took a twist Wednesday when the communities reconvened to conduct bye-election.
The impeached chairman, Obla, brought dozens of armed security personnel and bundled key officials of the Forum to ‘A’ Division of the Plateau State Police Command.
But understanding that it was a family issue, the police conceded to the ideas of the elders who intervened to enable them settle the matter as one family.
On Thursday evening when was the meeting was reconvened to address the matter, a group of sponsored youths stormed the venue and thwarted the meeting, resulting in a walkout where the secretary announced: “Every body should go home.
“The chairman remains impeached.
“I am going to summon another meeting with the Council of Elders and traditional leaders.”
Meanwhile in his previous briefing on Sunday evening, Asor, said: “The decision to impeach Obla was arrived at an executive council meeting held on May 7, 2015.
“The EXCO of the Benue Progressive Forum having been dissatisfied with the activities of the Chairman, Sunday Obla, due to financial impropriety and sidelining other members of the Exco, 11 members of the EXCO have passed a vote of No Confidence on him and have signed his impeachment letter.
“The Vice Chairman of the Forum, Chief David Yuah, now becomes the acting chairman until a bye election is conducted according to the constitution of the Forum.”