By Amos Aar
BENUE State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has again debunked claims that he has serious dispute with his supposed godfather, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Alia made the disclaimer Tuesday at the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi during a colloquium/symposium organised in honour of the SGF as part of activities marking his 70th birthday anniversary and homecoming since his appointment in June, 2023.
Alia’s denial comes on the heels of recent comments by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, who literally confirmed the alleged rift between the duo when he was reacting to a joint press conference against the governor addressed in Abuja by members of the National Assembly (NASS) caucus from Benue State elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking as Chief Host of the symposium, Governor Alia extolled the virtues and sterling leadership qualities of Senator Akume, describing him as a true democrat, a cradle of the Fourth Republic and a meek leader.
Alia proclaimed that the colloquium/symposium will be made an annual event to continue honouring the SGF.
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“My pride knows no bounds today as I join thousands of our people to welcome home a political colossus, a democratic patriarch, and a man whom upon the birthing of the Fourth Republic in Nigeria, laid the foundation for successive leadership in our state.
“We are gathered here today not merely to acknowledge the passage of time, but to celebrate a leader – the state pillar of our great party; a man who has over the years risen steadily from being a political creation to a creator in our political landscape.
“After very careful thoughts by my administration on how best to honour our leader, Sen. Dr. George Akume, CON, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on his 70th birthday anniversary, we decided to put together this colloquium/symposium as part of activities to mark his homecoming. The aim is to also use the opportunity to foster discourse on good governance and national cohesion.
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“As a matter of fact, it is the determination of my administration that this colloquium/symposium becomes an annual ritual in honour of a man that is arguably the cradle of the Fourth Republic, as far as our enclave is concerned,” Alia said.
Debunking the rift with Akume in categorical terms, Alia stated: “I want to unambiguously debunk the circulating rumours of discord between the SGF and myself. These speculations exist solely in the imaginative realm of opportunists, instigators of turmoil, and merchants of mischief who thrive on chaos. The said fracas is only a figment of the imagination crafted by those who seek to profit from crisis.
“Meanwhile, for pockets of disenchanted members of our party here in the state, we are already in talks to address various areas of discontent. However, while we try to do so, we shall ensure that the will of the masses who voted us into office, prevails. This is because we are determined not to distort the organic relationship between the people and our government.
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“I therefore enjoin each and every one of us to dismiss such baseless notions and focus on the shared commitment to truth, unity, and progress that defines our collective journey.”
Alia further stated: “I want to specially commend you, Sen. Dr. George Akume, for ensuring that since the inception of the Fourth Republic, you not only develop a whole generation of persons who grow to become, in various respects, leaders, but for also allowing that group of people to develop ideas to even contradict and controvert yours many times. And many times, you either gave in to those ideas, or simply walked away without truncating them, all for greater good.
“While some may regard that as foolishness or a weakness, I personally regard it as the greatest virtue of a true democrat who is open-minded and flexible in the marketplace of ideas.
“In Nigeria, only few individuals dedicate their political missions to the advancement of common good. Among these rare individuals stands the Retired Permanent Secretary, a two-term governor of Benue State, a three-term Senator of the Federal Republic, a former Honourable Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, and presently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“For over two decades, Sen. Akume has exemplified, both in rhetoric and action, a steadfast commitment to social compassion and welfare advocacy. This political philosophy, deeply entrenched in the essence of well-being and a profound reverence for human dignity, has served as a guiding principle throughout his tenure in public service, from his days as Permanent Secretary through to date as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
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“His enduring commitment to these ideals underscores an uncompromising belief in politics that places the welfare and dignity of every individual at the forefront. It is this principled approach that shapes his legacy, marking him as a leader dedicated to the enhancement of our society.”
