President Bola Tinubu has vowed to intervene in the simmering feud between SGF George Akume and Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia, pledging to restore cordiality for the sake of the state and region.
The promise was made on Sunday in Makurdi during the wedding reception of Deborah and Samuel Akume, son of the SGF. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu highlighted Akume’s long and distinguished record of public service, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most experienced and resilient statesmen.
“Sen. Akume has paid his dues. He is the longest-serving public servant in the contemporary history of this country,” Tinubu said, recalling Akume’s various roles as director of protocol, permanent secretary, two-time governor, three-time senator and Senate Minority Leader, minister, and now SGF. “This is why I call him a cat with nine lives”.
Emphasizing the importance of unity, the president warned that political discord in Benue could affect the entire North Central region and the nation. “Benue is too important for us to toy with. We cannot allow the discord between the elder statesman, Sen. Akume, and Gov. Alia to escalate. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us”, he said.
Tinubu praised both leaders for their contributions, highlighting Akume’s leadership, accommodation, and generosity, as well as Governor Alia’s transformative governance. He stated that he would personally ensure that their relationship is repaired for the benefit of the people.
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