A Betrayal of His Vows — Rev. Fr. Philip Slams Gov. Alia for Denying Christian Killings in Benue

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Prince Chidi Philip, has issued a scathing rebuke of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of betraying the Catholic priesthood and abandoning the suffering people of Benue.

Fr. Philip’s criticism comes after Governor Alia publicly declared that “there is no religious genocide in Benue State,” a statement that has sparked outrage in Christian communities across the state, which has endured years of deadly attacks, displacement, and destruction of churches.

In a strongly worded statement, Fr. Philip described Governor Alia as “a total disgrace to the Catholic priesthood,” accusing him of choosing political survival over truth, justice, and moral responsibility.

“Even though he is no longer in union with the Church because of his political ambition, the sacred mark of ordination never disappears. Once a priest, always a priest,” Fr. Philip wrote.

“Communities have been wiped out, churches burnt, farmers murdered, women assaulted, and villages overrun, yet a man trained to defend the weak now stands before the world claiming nothing is happening.”

Fr. Philip said the Church was right to forbid priests from partisan politics, insisting that “politics demands compromise while priesthood demands truth.” According to him, Governor Alia has chosen political convenience over moral courage.

“How does a man who once preached the Gospel become so compromised about injustice because power tastes sweet?” he asked.

“History will not remember him for greatness, but for betrayal. The day will never be forgotten when a Catholic priest stood and told the world that the blood of his own people does not count.”

He further accused Governor Alia of seeking re-election at the expense of acknowledging the plight of persecuted Christian communities.

Padre, I know you are trying to secure a second tenure, but for Christ’s sake, speak the truth for once. It is better to lose political office than to lose your soul or the trust of the people you vowed before God to serve.”