No Rift Between Me And SGF – Alia

No Rift Between Me And SGF – Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has lauded the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, describing him as a national pride.

Personally extending a welcome to Akume, a former governor, in honor of his 70th birthday, Governor Alia acknowledged him as the father of Benue.

Additionally, the governor dispelled any rumors of a rift between himself and the SGF, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between them.

He said: “I want to unambiguously debunk the circulating rumours of discord between the SGF and myself. These speculations exist solely in the imaginative realm of opportunists, instigators of turmoil, and merchants of mischief who thrive on chaos. The said fracas is only a figment of the imagination crafted by those who seek to profit from crisis.

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“For pockets of disenchanted members of our party here in the state, we are already in talks to address various areas of discontent. However, while we try to do so, we shall ensure that the will of the masses who voted us into office, prevails. This is because we are determined not to distort the organic relationship between the people and our government.

“I therefore  enjoin each and every one of us to dismiss such baseless notions and focus on the shared commitment to truth, unity, and progress that defines our collective journey.”

At a symposium in Makurdi, the state capital, to mark the birthday, the governor described the SGF as a political colossus, a democratic patriarch, and a man whom upon the birthing of the Fourth Republic in Nigeria, laid the foundation for successive leadership in Benue.

He said: “We are gathered here today not merely to acknowledge the passage of time, but to celebrate a leader—the state pillar of our great party; a man who has over the years, risen steadily from being a political creation to a creator in our political landscape.”

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed that Senator George Akume’s birthday has evolved into a platform for discussions on good governance and national cohesion. The governor suggested that Akume’s birthday should be commemorated in the state with a colloquium.

Governor Alia extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for affording Akume a unique opportunity to contribute diligently to the nation’s service.

He also appreciated the President for appointing other distinguished natives of the state into leadership positions, recognizing it as a clear indication that Benue is actively considered in the national landscape.

The governor commended Akume for not only fostering the development of a whole generation of leaders since the inception of the Fourth Republic but also for allowing them the space to cultivate their ideas. Describing the former governor as a tolerant leader, Governor Alia emphasized Akume’s readiness to yield to superior arguments.

Alia added: “While some may regard that as foolishness or a weakness, I personally regard it as the greatest virtue of a true democrat who is open-minded and flexible in the marketplace of ideas.

“In Nigeria, only few individuals dedicate their political missions to the advancement of common good. Among these rare individuals stands the Retired Permanent Secretary, a two-term governor of Benue State, a three-term Senator of the Federal Republic, a former Honourable Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, and presently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“For over two decades, Sen. Akume has exemplified, both in rhetoric and action, a steadfast commitment to Social Compassion and Welfare Advocacy.

“This political philosophy, deeply entrenched in the essence of well-being and a profound reverence for human dignity, has served as a guiding principle throughout his tenure in public service, from his days as Permanent Secretary through to date as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“His enduring commitment to these ideals underscores an uncompromising belief in politics that places the welfare and dignity of every individual at the forefront. It is this principled approach that shapes his legacy, marking him as a leader dedicated to the enhancement of our society.”

Alia said that within his short period in office as SGF, Akume has played a pivotal role in the ratification of  federal projects/intervention programmes in Benue.

He said: “The approval by Mr President for the establishment of the ‘Renewed Hope Shelter Programme’ pilot scheme in the state, aimed at relocating IDPs back to their various ancestral homes, was partly possible through your instrumentation.

“This is not to mention several other intervention programmes ranging from provision of relief materials to flood victims in the state, to approval of funds for palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

Tendering his stewardship, Alia said: “With particular regards to palliatives, may I respectfully inform you that my administration decided to use some of the funds to cushion the effect through the procurement of 100 buses which have already been handed over to the state-owned Benue Links Transport Company, so as to ease the movement of people across the state at the most affordable rates possible. As I speak, Benue commuters are already all smiles, thanks to that transportation palliative.

“More so, we have flagged off the distribution of grains and food items as additional palliatives, to households across the 276 council wards in the state.”

The governor said politicking is over, stressing that his administration has buckled up and begun work, with a view to bringing forth dividends of democracy to the people, based on the social contract.

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