By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: A group of political heavyweights within the All Progressives Congress APC in Benue State, including former loyalists of the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has pledged loyalty to the leadership of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume, as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
The group, led by a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barr. Emmanuel Jime, and cutting across the state’s three senatorial districts of Zone A, Zone B and Zone C, made the declaration when they visited Akume in Abuja.
Other political leaders at the event included Douglas Pepe (SAN), Prof. Cephas Tushima, Engr. Peter Ashiekaa and Prof. USAR, alongside Qs Beetseh, Joy Liga, Chief Nelson Alapa, Chief Patrick Idoko, Hon. David Igbosa, Comrade Austin Agbada and Hon. Dr. Msoo Igbo, among others.
Media adviser to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, who diagnosed this in a statement on Tuesday night, noted that Akume, a former governor of the state, thanked the delegation for their support and commitment, urging them to remain united and focused on the collective development of the state.
He said unity and cooperation among APC stakeholders remained critical to sustaining political stability and ensuring that the people’s aspirations 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 expressed optimism that Benue State was on course to reclaim its former prominence, assuring residents that renewed efforts were underway to restore the state’s lost glory.
Akume called for continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to deliver sustainable development and improve Nigerians’ lives.
He commended the attendees’ political experience, capacity, and intellectual depth, assuring them that they were not “internally displaced politicians” but respected stakeholders with valuable contributions to the state’s political development.
“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 Mr. President’s fault. 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 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, investment, and infrastructure projects under his administration, which contributed significantly to the state’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that his tenure laid the foundation for growth and progress, adding that his administration prioritised initiatives to improve the living conditions of the people and to position Benue for greater opportunities.
The highlight of the event was the unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, along with a resounding 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 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.
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, appealing 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 while Akume was governor, highlighting the SGF’s empathy and leadership.
