By Amos Aar
THE SECRETARY to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, appear to have reconciled following a prolonged political rift that began shortly after the 2023 general elections.
The feud, which has shaped political discourse in the state over the past two years, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over the speakership of the Benue State House of Assembly.
Senator Akume was believed to have backed Hon. Becky Orpin of Gboko East constituency for the position, while Governor Alia insisted on Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh of Gboko West, who eventually emerged as speaker.
Amid growing tension, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, had earlier intervened by summoning both leaders to his palace in Gboko. At that meeting, the two publicly embraced and pledged to put their differences aside.
However, the truce was short-lived, as hostilities resurfaced following reported disagreements over key political appointments and control of the party structure within the state.
Fresh signs of reconciliation emerged on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, when photographs surfaced on social media showing Governor Alia visiting Senator Akume at his Maitama residence in Abuja.
The images, which included Akume’s wife, Hon. Regina Akume, who is the member representing Gboko/Tarka federal constituency, showed both men smiling and embracing warmly, sparking renewed optimism about a lasting peace.
While the development has been welcomed by many in the state, some residents remain skeptical about whether the reconciliation will endure.
Analysts suggest that the latest move may have been prompted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent directive to Governor Alia to set up a peace and reconciliation committee comprising key Benue stakeholders and lead them to Abuja for dialogue.
President Tinubu issued the directive during his visit to Benue State on June 18, 2025, in the aftermath of a deadly attack in Yelwata Community, Guma LGA, where over 200 people were killed.
The president urged the governor to close ranks with other political leaders in the state to promote unity and deliver coordinated responses to the security and humanitarian challenges confronting Benue.
Although the images of unity have inspired hope, residents remain watchful to see whether this latest peace effort between Akume and Alia will finally mark the end of their rivalry.
