2027: Akume pledges to ensure Benue returns to past glory

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has expressed optimism that Benue State is on course to reclaim its former prominence, assuring the people of the state that renewed efforts are underway to restore its lost glory.

This is even as political heavyweights from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state pledged loyalty to Akume’s leadership.

Speaking when he hosted political stalwarts from the state, including erstwhile loyalists of the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Akume thanked them for their support and commitment, urging them to remain united and focused on the collective development of the state.

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, in a statement, said the group, which cuts across the three senatorial districts of Zone A, Zone B and Zone C, was led by a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barr. Emmanuel Jime.

Akume, a former Benue State Governor, said the unity and cooperation among APC stakeholders remained critical to sustaining political stability and ensuring that the aspirations of the people were achieved.

The SGF, who emphasised the importance of teamwork among party members, assured the delegation that his leadership would continue to prioritise the interests of Benue people while working towards restoring the state’s economic and political relevance.

He called for continued support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to bring sustainable development and improve the lives of Nigerians.

He commended the political experience, capacity and intellectual depth of the attendees, assuring them that they were not “internally displaced politicians” but respected stakeholders with valuable contributions to make to the political development of the state.

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

“All the tiers of government have access to the Federation Account. If we can’t develop our state, it’s not a fault of Mr. President. He is doing what he is supposed to do for the country and for the states, and Benue is no exception”, he said.

Extending an olive branch to all leaders and stakeholders, Akume assured that he harboured no resentment towards any politician in the state, urging them to unite and work collectively towards securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election.

Reminiscing on his time as Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007, he said the state attracted unprecedented development, investments and infrastructure projects under his administration, which contributed significantly to the socio-economic transformation of the state.

He noted that his tenure laid the foundation for growth and progress, adding that his administration prioritised initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the people and positioning Benue for greater opportunities.

The highlight of the event was the unanimous endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, alongside a resounding vote of confidence in the leadership of Akume.

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

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Barr. Emmanuel Jime, expressed concern over the deteriorating state of democracy in the state, alleging that democratic values and principles had been relegated.

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He urged the SGF to use his position and influence to reposition the APC in the state by restoring the party’s democratic values, principles and ideals.

He appealed to Akume to champion a return to internal democracy, inclusiveness and fairness, which he described as essential for strengthening the party and rebuilding confidence among its members.

He recounted an experience from the 2003 election, when he ran for the House of Representatives seat, in which the SGF, as then governor, highlighted Akume’s empathy and leadership.

“That, Your Excellency, was the lesson that I imbibed as one of your students. The lesson of humility, and the lesson of saying to even those who are downtrodden that you have a shoulder that they can lean on, and that, Your Excellency, was the reason why we became very closely associated with your politics. Today, we have in place a situation that has turned 360 degrees”, he said.

Other political leaders at the event included Douglas Pepe (SAN), Prof Cephas Tushima, Engr Peter Ashiekaa and Prof Usar.

The delegation also included Qs Beetseh, Joy Liga, Chief Nelson Alapa, Chief Patrick Idoko, Hon David Igbosa, Comrade Austin Agbada, and Hon. Dr Msoo Igbo, among others.