Tinubu Moves to Mend Akume–Alia Rift, Vows Political Unity in Benue

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to intervene and resolve the lingering political rift between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

The President made the pledge on Sunday in Makurdi during the wedding reception of Deborah and Samuel Akume, son of the SGF. He spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the event.

Tinubu said Senator Akume had paid his dues in national service and stressed that there was no justification for discord between the elder statesman and the Benue governor. He described Akume as the longest-serving public servant in Nigeria’s contemporary history.

According to the President, he has a moral obligation to intervene because developments in Benue State have implications not only for the North-Central zone but for Nigeria as a whole.

“Benue is too important for us to toy with. We cannot afford to allow the discord between an elder statesman like Senator Akume and Governor Alia to escalate,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised that unity must take precedence over division, warning that a breakdown in the relationship would ultimately harm the people of Benue, the North-Central region and the nation at large.

Highlighting Akume’s political journey, the President noted that the SGF had served as Director of Protocol, Permanent Secretary, two-term Governor, three-time Senator, Senate Minority Leader, Minister and now Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He added that he would not allow the relationship between Akume and what he described as a “transformative governor” to deteriorate further, reaffirming his commitment to fixing the situation.

Tinubu also commended the people of Benue State for their support during the 2023 presidential election, noting that they voted for national unity over ethnic or religious sentiments.

Earlier, Senator Akume thanked the President for honouring his family on such a memorable occasion and also appreciated Governor Alia for attending the wedding despite his tight schedule.

Governor Alia congratulated the couple, describing their union as a source of joy and honour to their families, Benue State and the nation.

Other speakers at the event included Senator Jack Gyado, who praised Akume’s leadership qualities, and the Chairman of the occasion, Barrister Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, who prayed for the couple’s marital success.

The Spatula reports that the ceremony was attended by serving and former ministers, senators, heads of government agencies, traditional rulers, and the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom.