Tinubu moves to reconcile Akume, Alia amid Benue political tensions

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to intervene in the lingering political disagreement between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.

The assurance was given on Sunday in Makurdi during the wedding reception of Deborah and Samuel Akume, son of the SGF.

Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the disagreement between Akume and the governor was unnecessary, noting that the SGF had paid his dues in public service.

He described Akume as the longest-serving public servant in Nigeria’s contemporary history and said the matter required presidential intervention because of its wider implications.

According to the president, developments in Benue State have implications for the entire North Central zone and the country at large.

Tinubu said Akume, as a leader in the North Central and Nigeria, had demonstrated leadership, tolerance and kindness over the years.

“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.

The president further stressed that he would not allow the relationship between Akume and what he described as a transformative governor to deteriorate.

He said he had a moral obligation as a national leader to repair any damage arising from the rift.

Tinubu also praised the people of Benue for their voting pattern in the 2023 presidential election.

“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, Sen. Akume thanked the president for honouring his family during the celebration and expressed appreciation to Gov. Alia for attending the wedding ceremony despite his tight schedule.

He also assured the couple of his continued support and prayers.

In his remarks, Gov. Alia congratulated the newly married couple and commended them for bringing pride and joy to their families, Benue State and the nation.

Also speaking, Sen. Jack Gyado said God had blessed Akume with a kind heart, a good family and strong leadership qualities.

Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, congratulated the couple and offered prayers for their union.

The ceremony was attended by serving and former ministers, senators, heads of government agencies and other dignitaries.

Also present were the immediate past governor of Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom, traditional rulers and other guests.