By Amos Aar
BENUE State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has congratulated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on his 72nd birthday, a message that sparked mixed reactions from the public, particularly on social media.
In a statement on Saturday, December 27, 2025, and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor, on behalf of the government and people of Benue State, felicitated Senator Akume, describing him as a beneficiary of God’s immense grace.
Governor Alia thanked God for granting the former governor of Benue State another year in good health and strong spirit, noting that his long career in politics and public service reflects divine favour.
He commended Senator Akume, a former Minority Leader of the Senate and former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, for his legacies in Benue State and Nigeria at large, while praying for continued good health and long life as he serves the nation.
However, shortly after the birthday message was made public, reactions began trailing the post on social media, with some commenters questioning the timing and tone of the governor’s felicitation.
Some social media users observed that the birthday message came too late in the evening. Bino Aondowase Joseph, asked: “Where was the governor since in the morning? This message comes late.”
Others accused the governor of politicising a celebratory moment. Okpabi Prowess Godborn criticised the approach, stating that celebration should be honoured respectfully rather than used for political optics, adding that a religious leader should demonstrate warmth and consistency in public conduct.
While some comments were critical, others focused on goodwill, as several users offered birthday prayers and congratulatory messages to Senator Akume, referring to him as a leader and elder statesman worthy of honour.
Another line of criticism centred on the manner in which the governor addressed the SGF. Some commentators noted that the message referred to Akume mainly as a former governor and senator, rather than prominently recognising his current role as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Meanwhile, a separate comment under the same post quoted Senator Akume himself, recalling his recent remarks at St. John’s Church in Gboko, where he questioned the non-implementation of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition Law, a reference that some users interpreted as indirectly linked to ongoing security concerns in the state.
Despite the criticisms, the governor’s message also attracted supportive reactions from netizens who wished Senator Akume well and prayed for grace and strength as he continues in national service.
The mixed reactions show ongoing public scrutiny of political communication in Benue State, particularly between key figures in the state and federal leadership, even during moments of celebration.
