By Amos Aar
IN A development that has ignited political tensions in Benue State, remarks made by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), during the burial of the late Paul Iorpuu Unongu last weekend, Saturday, November 30, 2024, have drawn sharp rebukes from various groups.
National Record reported that Akume had called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to distance himself from certain political figures in the state, noting that he singlehandedly ensured Alia’s rise to the position of governor of the state.
Some groups perceived Senator Akume’s comment as a slight on Governor Alia’s mandate.
Among the first set of groups to respond to Akume is Governor Alia’s kinsmen, under the aegis of the KUNAV United Development Association (KUDA), who expressed strong discontentment on the remarks.
In a statement signed by Deacon Emmanuel Tor Yaji, KUDA rejected Akume’s assertions, stressing that Alia’s governorship was a product of overwhelming support from Benue masses. “Governor Alia was elected by the overwhelming popular votes of Benue people,” the statement read, adding that attempts to undermine his leadership were disrespectful to the people’s collective will.
KUDA commended Governor Alia’s composed demeanour during the burial, describing it as a testament to his commitment to unity and peace.
The association further condemned what it called “vexatious and inciting statements” made by some politicians during the burial, accusing them of attempting to sow discord among the peace-loving people of Benue.
The Benue Resistance Movement and gubernatorial liaison officers from the state’s 23 local government areas also threw their weight behind Governor Alia. During a solidarity visit to Government House, Makurdi on Wednesday, the groups, led by Mr. Timothy Hembaor and Mr. Philip Achua, reaffirmed their support for Alia’s administration.
Speaking at the event, Achua condemned Akume’s remarks and praised Alia for his restraint and leadership. He described the governor’s conduct as a demonstration of maturity, humility, and love for the people of Benue State.
Hembaor echoed these sentiments, urging political elites to allow the governor to focus on his development agenda. He also presented a letter containing the group’s demands to the governor, with a copy sent to President Bola Tinubu for further intervention.
Responding, Alia, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Paul Biam, expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity. He urged the people of Benue to remain steadfast in their pursuit of good governance and social justice while emphasising the importance of abiding by the rule of law.
“Do not allow yourselves to be intimidated in your quest for good governance,” Biam said, encouraging citizens to support efforts aimed at making Benue a better place. He thanked the groups for their loyalty and advised them to resist the temptation of taking matters into their own hands.
Akume’s remarks spotlight the the escalating discord in his relation with Governor Alia, his estranged godson and the wider tension that has imposed on Benue’s political landscape.
