Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to embrace peace and reconciliation, warning that a prolonged rift between the two leaders could have negative consequences for Benue State, the North-Central zone and the country at large.
Shettima made the appeal on Sunday in Makurdi while addressing guests at the wedding reception of Senator Akume’s son. He used the occasion to highlight Benue State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s unity, stability and development.
“Benue is not only the heartbeat of the nation; it goes beyond being the food basket. Benue is a trendsetter, and Benue has a large heart,” the Vice President said.
He praised the Tiv people, describing them as the largest non-Muslim ethnic group in Northern Nigeria, with significant populations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Borno State. According to Shettima, the Tiv have historically played a key role in promoting national cohesion.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Shettima described the polls as one of the most polarising in Nigeria’s recent political history. He commended voters in Benue for rising above ethnic and religious divisions and voting in what he described as the national interest.
“The Tiv nation decided to vote for the Nigerian candidate, not the religious candidate, not the Northern candidate,” he said, noting that the choice reflected political maturity and a deep sense of patriotism.
The Vice President also lauded Senator Akume’s leadership qualities, describing him as a unifying figure not only in Benue State but across the North-Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
“The people call him the leader of Benue. He is a leader of the North-Central and a leader in Nigeria,” Shettima said.
Warning against the dangers of political disunity, Shettima quoted civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “We either learn to live together with others or perish together.” He stressed that disagreements between political leaders should not be allowed to undermine collective progress.
Shettima said the strained relationship between Akume and Governor Alia must not be allowed to worsen, stressing that the consequences would be borne by ordinary citizens.
“We cannot afford to allow the discord between the elder statesman, Distinguished Senator George Akume, and the Governor of Benue State, my brother, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to fester,” he said. “What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us.”
He warned that a breakdown in their relationship would be costly. “If this relationship goes asunder, it is the people of Benue that will suffer, the people of the North-Central that will suffer, and the people of Nigeria that will suffer,” he added.
Describing Akume as one of Nigeria’s most experienced public officials, Shettima highlighted his long career in public service, noting that he has served as Director of Protocol, Permanent Secretary, two-term governor of Benue State, senator for 12 years, Senate Minority Leader for eight years, minister and now SGF.
“This is why I used to call him a cat with nine lives,” the Vice President said humorously, while acknowledging Akume’s enduring relevance in national politics.
Despite past political differences, Shettima said unity must prevail, assuring that he would personally work to mend the strained relationship.
“I have a moral obligation as a leader of the North to repair the damaged relationship,” he said, adding that both leaders are held in high esteem and must work together for the good of Benue State and the nation.
