By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Long-rumoured, but constantly denied by both camps, the feud between Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, ended.
And this is official.
A statement today by the Principal Special Assistant on Media Publicity and Communications Strategy to the Governor, Bridget Tyam, disclosed that the two politicians have mended fences for the good of people of Benue State.
Observers and lovers of peace in the State, now strewn with pools of innocent blood and graveyards of scores of its residents, hacked down by killer herdsmen in unrelenting attacks, task both personalities with doing everything possible to secure the lives and properties of people of the State as prime priority.
They further urged them to tear down whatever agreements, if any, with external interests and focus wholeheartedly on the precious interests of the masses of Benue people, or risk losing the state in the 2027 general elections to either Labour Party (LP) or the immediate past-governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Tyam said that the reconciliation took place after several months of public and behind-the-scene engagements, emphasizing that the reconciliation marks a strategic realignment with potentially far-reaching consequences for the political stability and security of the state.
Tyam pointed that the gesture signified a united front for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and an opportunity to refocus leadership priorities.
Knowledgeable followers of Benue politics under APC say Alia is Akume’s hand-picked candidate for the party’s 2023 governorship ticket. Akume is a two-term former governor of the North-Central State.
The feud between the two leaders, the statement noted, became a source of concern not only to the people of the state, but also to the national leadership of APC.
“As former governor and a political heavyweight in the North-Central region, Senator Akume holds substantial influence, while Gov Alia, as the sitting governor, commands executive authority and popular legitimacy.”
The statement recreated the consequences of the ‘fight’ on the health of the state as well as the expected low hanging fruits of the fresh rapprochement.
It read: “Their rivalry created a vacuum in leadership cohesion, which weakened the ability of the party and the government to speak with one voice on critical matters, especially security, governance, and development.
“With both leaders now aligned, Benue stands to benefit from a more coordinated and strategic engagement with the Federal Government.
“Senator Akume, as SGF, sits at the heart of national policymaking and has the ears of the President. Gov Alia, on his part, can now leverage that proximity to push for urgent federal intervention in terms of military deployments, humanitarian support, and the establishment of resettlement and rehabilitation initiatives for displaced persons.
“Unity between the two opens doors for pragmatic dialogue and policy synergy that can address the root causes of insecurity.”
According to the statement, the reconciliation has also provided a solid platform for regional diplomacy and peacebuilding, stressing that with a cohesive leadership, Benue State could now initiate and implement meaningful measures with neighbouring states and through platforms such as the North Central Governors’ Forum and the National Council of Traditional Rulers.
It stressed that such conversations, backed by a united political will, could put an end to the violent, genocidal, land-grabbing systematic attacks on Benue State territorial boundaries.
The statement further revealed that the healing of political wounds within the APC in the state could lead to greater focus on development and service delivery.
“The past months have witnessed distractions, infighting, and bureaucratic sabotage that slowed down the implementation of key state projects. A harmonious working relationship between Akume and Alia is likely to stabilize the bureaucracy, attract more federal funding, and reignite confidence among investors, development partners, and local communities who yearn for good governance.”
” It is also important to highlight the symbolic significance of this reconciliation for the people of Benue. In a state often burdened by ethnic divisions, partisan hostilities, and historical grievances, the willingness of two political gladiators to bury the hatchet sets an example in leadership maturity. It sends a strong message that the interests of the people must come before ego, and that peace and development are achievable when leaders place public good over personal ambition.
“As Benue steps into this new chapter, the hope of millions of its citizens now rests on the sincerity and sustained commitment of both Akume and Alia to work together. Their reconciliation must go beyond political optics and translate into joint actions that bring peace to troubled communities, restore livelihoods, and reposition the state on the path of unity and prosperity. For a state that has bled for too long, this mome
