VP Kashim Shettima, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia and SGF George Akume
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to 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, assuring that the rift will be resolved in the interest of the state and the wider North Central region.
The president made this known on Sunday in Makurdi during the wedding reception of Deborah and Samuel Akume, son of the SGF. Tinubu was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to the president, Senator Akume has made enormous contributions to public service and does not deserve to be locked in prolonged political discord with the Benue governor.
He described the SGF as the longest-serving public servant in Nigeria’s contemporary history and said the disagreement, if allowed to fester, could have far-reaching consequences beyond Benue State.
Tinubu noted that he felt a moral responsibility to intervene, stressing that instability in Benue would ultimately affect the entire North Central zone and the country at large.
The president said Akume, as a leader in Benue, the North Central and Nigeria, has consistently demonstrated leadership, tolerance and kindness.
“Benue is too important for us to toy with. We can not afford to allow the discord between the elder statesman, Sen. Akume, and Gov. Alia to escalate.
“What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. If this relationship goes asunder, it is the people of Benue, North Central and Nigeria that will suffer.
“Sen Akume has paid his dues. He is the longest-serving public servant in the contemporary history of this country.
“He was director of protocol, permanent secretary, two-time governor, three-time senator and minority leader of the Senate, minister and now SGF.
“This is why I used to call him a cat with nine lives. He installs a governor and dethrones and puts another. He fell out with that one; he dethroned him and installed another one,” he said.
Tinubu further emphasised that he would not allow the relationship between Akume and what he described as the “transformative governor” to collapse, insisting that leadership demands stepping in to repair damaged political relationships.
He also commended the people of Benue State for their voting pattern in the 2023 presidential election, describing it as a show of national unity.
“The 2023 election was the most divisive election ever in the history of our country. But Benue decided to go with the Nigerian candidate, not a religious or Northern candidate,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Senator Akume thanked President Tinubu for honouring his family during the celebration and appreciated Governor Alia for attending the wedding despite his busy schedule.
He assured the newlywed couple of his continued support and prayers as they begin their marital journey.
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia congratulated the couple and praised them for bringing pride and happiness to their families, Benue State and the nation.
Also speaking, Senator Jack Gyado described Akume as a man blessed with a good heart, a strong family and admirable leadership qualities.
Chairman of the occasion, Barrister Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, congratulated the couple and offered prayers for a successful marriage.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony attracted several serving and former ministers, senators, heads of government agencies and other dignitaries.
NAN also reports that the immediate past governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, traditional rulers and other prominent personalities were in attendance.
NAN
