It is no longer news that the current Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is an ordained Catholic priest. However, what many do not know is that he was suspended by the Catholic Church prior to his emergence as governor.
Rev. Fr. Alia, known for his healing ministry, contested the 2023 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won. His suspension by the Church was issued in 2022, shortly after he purchased the APC nomination form to contest the election.
In a letter addressed to all lay faithful, religious, and priests in the Gboko Diocese, Bishop William A. Avenya, under whose jurisdiction Fr. Alia served as parish priest of St. Thomas Parish, explained the Church’s decision. The Bishop acknowledged Fr. Alia’s contributions to pastoral work but emphasized that the Catholic Church strictly prohibits priests from engaging in partisan politics
