Gov Alia Suffers Blow As Benue APC Leaders Pledge Loyalty To Akume

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has expressed optimism that Benue State will return to its economic and political glory as activities towards the 2027 general elections intensify.

Akume spoke when he received some prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the three senatorial districts of the state including some politicians that were in the camp of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Led by a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime, the delegation pledged loyalty to Akume’s leadership and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

Akume, in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, thanked the stakeholders for their support and urged them to remain united in pursuit of the development of the state.

The former governor of Benue State said that working together among members of the APC was critical to maintaining political stability and realizing the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

The delegation was assured by Akume that his leadership would continue to work to restore the state’s relevance while at the same time prioritising the interests of Benue residents.

The call was made by the party stakeholders who were asked to support Tinubu’s administration, stating that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda was crafted to promote sustainable development and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.

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The SGF described the delegation’s members as experienced and respected political stakeholders rather than “internally displaced politicians.”

Their experience, capacity and intellectual contributions remained valuable to the political and economic progress of Benue State, he said.

The Tinubu administration had increased financial allocations to states and local governments significantly, Akume said.

He said the state governments should be made accountable for the use of increased allocations for development.

“I know that the President, in an unprecedented manner, has pushed a lot of money to the states and the local governments,” Akume said.

“The Federation Account is accessible to all tiers of government. If we can’t develop our state, it is not Mr President’s fault.

“He is doing what he is expected to do for the country and for the states and Benue is not an exception.”

The SGF urged political leaders in the state to focus on providing development rather than blaming the Federal Government for local problems.

Akume said he bore no grudge against any political leader or stakeholder in Benue.

He reached out to all members of the party, calling on them to work together to ensure Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.

The former governor recalled his administration between 1999 and 2007, saying Benue attracted massive investment, infrastructure and development projects in the period.

His administration, he said, established the basis for the state’s socio-economic growth through the implementation of programmes that improved living conditions and expanded opportunities for residents.

The meeting ended with a unanimous endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election bid and a vote of confidence in Akume’s leadership.

The motion was moved by a former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Dan Ali and seconded by a former Attorney-General of the state, Joe Abaagu.

Earlier, Jime had expressed concern on what he described as the erosion of democratic values in Benue State.

He said the state had been relegated to the realm of established democratic principles and called for increased co-operation among political stakeholders to reposition the state.