By Amos Aar
SOME loyalists of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, have announced that they will no longer tolerate the ban placed by Governor Hyacinth Alia on public gathering in the state since February 2024.
The loyalists describe the ban on gathering as politically-motivated and therefore targeted only at the perceived political enemies of Governor Alia.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service/grand reception in honour of the SGF held at the NKST, Daudu in Guma LGA under a watertight security, Dr Mathias Byuan, the executive Director, Housing Finance and Accounts with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Abuja, expressed concern over Governor Alia’s alleged frequent denial of the SGF and his loyalists the opportunity to hold meetings or ceremonies.
In a report published by New National Star, Byuan stated that henceforth, it will be “fire and brimstone” if there is any attempt to cancel their event in the state again, saying such ugly situation must be confronted because the Akume faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has kept quiet for too long and can’t tolerate the denigration anymore.
Byuan maintained that Senator George Akume remained APC leader in the State and the North Central at large and must be respected in his state, urging people to stop being economical with the truth.
On his part, the senator representing Benue North West Senatorial district, Dr Titus Zam, corroborated Dr Byuan, warning that whoever denies the SGF a chance to hold any occasion “must wear one leg of trousers together with them”, noting that the state is for all hence no one has the right to deprive the other opportunity of organising events in the State.
Represented at the occasion by his chief of staff, Mr Kris Tarka, Senator Akume appreciated the organisers for the honour done him and called on the people to continue to support President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu to succeed.
The SGF, who expressed satisfaction with the church for requesting leaders to attract development to their communities, asked to be informed when the church project which he and his loyalists supported financially during the thanksgiving service is completed so that he will visit to fellowship with them.
National Record had on Sunday reported that crisis was brewing in Benue between the SGF’s faction and that of his estranged godson, Governor Alia, over the thanksgiving service in Daudu as a result of the prolonged ban on public gathering in the state.
