As part of moves to close ranks and forge a common political front in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia, over the weekend, visited the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in Abuja.
The governor also met the Chief Judge of the state, Mr. Maurice Ikpambese, visiting Governor Alia at Government House Makurdi.
There had been palpable political tension in Benue State caused by a misunderstanding amongst leaders, prompting President Bola Tinubu to task the leaders on reconciliation.
Recall that the president had visited Benue State, over a week ago, to condole with the people, and to also have first hand information of the incessant killings and general insecurity in the state.
Tinubu, during a Town Hall meeting, tasked Gov Alia to unite major political actors, especially former governors and other elder statesmen for discussions and a possible meeting with him at the villa.
Few days after the president’s visit, pictures emerged of Alia’s meeting with Akume, in what is said to have been taken at SGF’s Maitama residence in Abuja.
Admitting to the meeting, the governor wrote on his official Facebook handle, “Today, I paid a surprise visit to Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), at his Maitama residence in Abuja.
“It was a warm and insightful interaction marked by mutual respect, unity, and deep reflection on both state and national issues, as well as a shared commitment to the progress of our dear state and nation,” he said.
Recall that the governor and federal lawmakers from the state, said to be Akume’s loyalists, have been locked in intense back and forth for months. They all belong to All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor also met with the state’s Chief Judge, Mr. Maurice Ikpambese, at Government House Makurdi. In the picture also was the Speaker, Benue state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh.
Recall that the Assembly had voted and directed Governor Hyacinth Alia to suspend the CJ of the state, a development that generated national discourse for weeks.
The spokesman to Governor Alia, Sir Tersoo Kula who also published the pictures on his official Facebook and X handles wrote, “In democracy, the fulfilment of the promises of peace, security, unity and progress is what makes it an effective vehicle for nation-building.
“The leaders of the State have come to understand that the peace, unity and progress of the State is the ultimate goal at this time for the people to be served honestly in a dedicated manner.
“Benue shall be great again”.
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