Presidency Intervenes in Akume, Alia Political Dispute in Benue

Presidency Intervenes in Akume, Alia Political Dispute in Benue

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to personally intervene in the lingering political disagreement between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, describing the rift as unnecessary and potentially damaging to the state and the wider North Central zone.

The assurance was given on Sunday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, during the wedding reception of Deborah and Samuel Akume, son of the SGF. The president was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu said the dispute required presidential intervention due to its broader political and developmental implications, noting that Benue State was too important to be distracted by internal discord.

“Benue is too important for us to toy with. We cannot afford to allow the discord between the elder statesman, Sen. Akume, and Gov. Alia to escalate,” the president said.

He described Akume as one of Nigeria’s most experienced public servants, noting that the SGF had paid his dues over decades of service to the nation.

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“Senator Akume has paid his dues. He is the longest-serving public servant in Nigeria’s contemporary history. He has served as director of protocol, permanent secretary, two-term governor, three-term senator, Senate minority leader, minister and now SGF,” Tinubu said.

The president emphasised that what unites political leaders should outweigh their differences, warning that a prolonged rift would ultimately hurt the people of Benue, the North Central region, and the country at large.

He also praised Governor Hyacinth Alia, whom he described as a transformative leader, stressing that he would not allow the relationship between the governor and the SGF to deteriorate further.

Tinubu further commended Benue residents for their conduct during the 2023 presidential election, describing it as one of the most divisive elections in Nigeria’s history.

“Despite the divisions, Benue chose the Nigerian candidate, not a religious or regional candidate,” he said.

Earlier, Senator George Akume thanked President Tinubu for honouring his family with the high-level representation at the ceremony and expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for attending the wedding despite his tight schedule.

Governor Alia, in his remarks, congratulated the newlywed couple and wished them a happy and successful marriage, describing the occasion as one of pride for Benue State and the nation.

The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including serving and former ministers, senators, heads of government agencies, the immediate past Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, traditional rulers and other notable personalities.

Presidency Intervenes in Akume, Alia Political Dispute in Benue