President Bola Tinubu has pledged to resolve the ongoing political disagreement between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State.
The promise was made on Sunday during the wedding reception of Deborah and Samuel Akume, the SGF’s son, in Makurdi.
Represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described Akume as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving public servants, emphasising that his contributions have been vital to national and regional development.
The president said the dispute between Akume and Alia, if left unresolved, could negatively affect Benue, the North Central region, and Nigeria as a whole.
“Benue is too important for us to toy with. We cannot allow the discord between Senator Akume and Governor Alia to escalate.
” What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us,” Tinubu said.
He highlighted Akume’s extensive career in public service, noting his roles as director of protocol, permanent secretary, two-time governor, three-time senator, Senate minority leader, minister, and currently SGF.
Tinubu praised Akume for his leadership, accommodation, and dedication, adding that he has a moral responsibility to mediate the feud and ensure continued harmony between the two leaders.
The event also saw speeches from Senator Akume, who thanked the president for honouring his family, and Governor Alia, who congratulated the newlyweds and praised their contribution to the families, state, and nation.
Other dignitaries in attendance included serving and former ministers, senators, heads of government agencies, the immediate past governor of Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom, and several traditional rulers.
The wedding, attended by notable political and community leaders, became a platform for promoting unity and reconciliation in Benue State’s political landscape.
