By Rasheeda Yahaya
?The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has declared that Benue State is on a definitive course to reclaim its past political and economic prominence, assuring citizens that strategic efforts are underway to restore the state's lost glory.
This came to light during a high-stakes political gathering in Abuja, where major political heavyweights of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Benue State—including several former key allies of the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia—converged to pledge their absolute loyalty to Akume's leadership.
?Led by the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barr. Emmanuel Jime, the high-powered delegation cut across the three senatorial districts of Zones A, B, and C.
The gathering culminated in a unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 second-term bid, alongside a resounding vote of confidence in Akume's leadership.
The motion was moved by the former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Dan Ali, and seconded by the former Attorney General of the state, Barr. Joe Abaagu.
?Addressing the stakeholders, Senator Akume, who served as the Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007, thanked the political leaders for their unwavering support and urged them to remain united. He emphasized that teamwork and cooperation among APC stakeholders remain absolutely critical to sustaining political stability.
Reassuring the attendees of their high standing, Akume commended their immense intellectual depth and political capacity, jokingly assuring them that they were not "internally displaced politicians" but respected, vital stakeholders with major roles to play in the state's future.
?Reflecting on local governance and development, the SGF pointed out that the federal government under President Tinubu has unprecedentedly empowered states and local governments financially, leaving the sub-nationals with no excuse for underdevelopment.
?"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."
?Extending an olive branch to all political actors across the state, Akume made it clear that he harbors no resentment toward anyone. He urged all factions to unite and work collectively toward a landslide victory for President Tinubu in
the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Reminiscing on his tenure as governor, Akume recalled how his administration laid the foundation for Benue's growth by attracting unprecedented investments and infrastructure, promising to bring that same progressive vision back to the forefront.
?Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Barr. Emmanuel Jime, voiced grave concerns over what he described as the deteriorating state of democracy in Benue, alleging that core democratic values and inclusive governance principles had been severely relegated under the current state administration.
By uniting under Akume's leadership, the stakeholders expressed strong optimism that the party will realign Benue State with national progress and sustainable development.
