The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) has voiced strong opposition to a protest orchestrated by groups aligned with Benue State Governor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, which demands the removal of Senator George Akume from his role as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The protest has been characterized as a troubling attack on a respected leader from Benue, raising concerns about unity and priorities within the state.
In an official statement, ATJ President Aloysius Gbakaan expressed disappointment over Governor Alia’s action, labeling it as a betrayal of Benue unity. Gbakaan emphasized that instead of fostering collaboration among the people, the governor has been inciting division by targeting Senator Akume, a prominent figure who has been entrusted with a significant national position.
The statement reads:
“We, the Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ), express our deepest shock, sadness and disappointment regarding the recent action taken by the groups under the aegis of Benue Renaissance and the Gubernatorial Liaison Officers, who staged a protest demanding the removal of Senator George Akume from his position as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The protest which was ostensibly instigated by Governor Hyacinth Alia, indicated a disturbing and condescending attack on a fellow Benue son and a respected leader who has been elevated to serve our great nation in a key position as the SGF.
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“We hereby condemn this action for the following reasons:
“1. Betrayal of Benue Unity:
It is disheartening that Governor Alia, who should be working towards unity among the Benue people, has chosen to incite divisions by targeting Senator Akume and other prominent Benue sons. This betrayal is not just a personal attack; it also undermines the collective interests of our people.
“2. Misguided Priorities:
The first assignment given to the Gubernatorial Liaison Officers recently inaugurated by Governor Hyacinth Alia – to orchestrate the removal of a fellow Benue man from a sensitive federal position – reflects a severe misjudgment of priorities on the part of the governor. Rather than focusing on the development and welfare of Benue State, Governor Alia is directing efforts towards undermining a key representative of our people.
“3. Illusion of Power:
The belief that removing Senator Akume will bring any tangible benefits to Benue State is a mere mirage. Even if the SGF position were vacated by Senator Akume, as Governor Alia desperately wants, it is unrealistic to expect the seat to be filled by another Benue son. This is an oversimplified view of political influence that tends to ignore the complexities of federal appointments.
“4. A Long-standing Bond:
Senator Akume and President Bola Tinubu share a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration. The petty local sentiments being inflamed by Governor Alia’s loyalists cannot and should not overshadow this bond. Such sentiments can only trivialize the hard work and dedication that both leaders have invested in their respective roles.
“5. A Note of Caution:
We caution those who are complicit in this campaign against Senator Akume. Their actions are not only threatening the political stability of Benue State but also disregarding the will of thousands of Benue people who stand in support of Senator Akume as the SGF. The backlash from our people will be significant, as we will not allow the greed and ambition of a few to dictate our collective future.
“Senator George Akume is doing a fantastic job in his position as the SGF by linking the centre with our dear state in various aspects of development. What Senator Akume deserves is maximum support not distractions and the insults being directed at him by individuals loyal to Alia and the Governor’s appointees.
“6. Call for Solidarity:
We urge the people of Benue State to recognize the importance of standing together in support of Senator George Akume who is representing us exceptionally well at the national level as the SGF. We must reject any attempts to castigate our leader in order to make him look bad before the rest of the country.
“If Governor Alia has wasted his goodwill and fallen out of favour with the majority of Benue people, he should not use SGF Akume as a straw to hold onto and prevent his political ship from sinking. He should sink alone and blame only himself.
“Finally, we demand an immediate cessation of these unwarranted attacks against Senator George Akume by Governor Alia and his band of supporters. The SGF is very busy coordinating administrative affairs for Mr President and the entire Federal Executive Council and deserves to be allowed to concentrate on his duties”, the group concluded.
