Don’t Tear Benue Apart” — Shettima Warns Akume, Alia Over Growing Political Rift

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to put aside their differences and work toward reconciliation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

He cautioned that a prolonged dispute between the two leaders could have far-reaching and damaging consequences for Benue State, the North-Central region and Nigeria as a whole.

Shettima made the appeal on Sunday in Makurdi while speaking at the wedding reception of Akume’s son. He emphasised Benue’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s unity and national development.

Describing Benue as more than just the nation’s food basket, the Vice President said the state plays a critical role in fostering national cohesion.

“Benue is not only the heartbeat of the nation; it goes beyond being the food basket. Benue is a trendsetter, and Benue has a large heart,” Shettima said.

He also commended the Tiv people, describing them as the largest non-Muslim ethnic group in Northern Nigeria, with substantial populations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Borno State.

Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Shettima noted that the polls were among the most polarising in recent history but praised Benue voters for prioritising national unity over ethnic or religious considerations.

“The Tiv people chose to vote for the Nigerian candidate, not a religious candidate or a regional candidate,” he said, describing the choice as a demonstration of political maturity and patriotism.

The Vice President praised Akume’s leadership, describing him as a unifying figure not only in Benue but across the North-Central zone and the entire country.

“He is regarded as the leader of Benue, a leader of the North-Central and a leader in Nigeria,” Shettima stated.

Warning against the dangers of political disunity, Shettima cited the words of American civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

He stressed that the disagreement between Akume and Governor Alia must not be allowed to deepen, noting that ordinary citizens would ultimately suffer the consequences.

“We cannot allow the disagreement between the elder statesman, Senator George Akume, and my brother, Governor Hyacinth Alia, to continue unchecked,” he said. “We have a moral responsibility to intervene and heal the wounds. What unites us is far greater than what divides us.”

According to the Vice President, a breakdown in the relationship would be devastating.

“If this relationship collapses, the people of Benue will suffer, the North-Central will suffer, and Nigeria will suffer,” he warned.

Shettima highlighted Akume’s extensive experience in public service, describing him as one of the country’s most seasoned public officials.

“He has paid his dues and remains the longest-serving public servant in Nigeria’s contemporary history,” he said.

He recalled Akume’s career trajectory, which includes serving as Director of Protocol, Permanent Secretary, two-term governor of Benue State, senator for 12 years, Senate Minority Leader for eight years, minister, and now Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“This is why I often refer to him jokingly as a cat with nine lives,” Shettima said, acknowledging Akume’s sustained influence in Nigerian politics.

Despite past political disagreements between Akume and Governor Alia, Shettima maintained that unity must prevail and pledged to personally work toward restoring harmony.

“We will not allow the relationship between the elder statesman and the transformative governor to break down,” he said. “As a leader from the North, I have a moral duty to help repair this relationship because he has a big heart, remains our leader, and is held in the highest regard.”