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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has declared that Benue State is poised to reclaim its past prominence, urging unity among All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders as the 2027 general elections approach.
In a press statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, Akume, speaking on Tuesday while hosting a delegation of APC political heavyweights from Benue, said renewed efforts are underway to restore the state’s “lost glory.” The visit, which brought together party figures from the three senatorial zones, was led by Emmanuel Jime, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
“We will ensure Benue returns to its past glory,” Akume told the gathering, stressing that unity and cooperation among APC stakeholders are critical to sustaining political stability and delivering on the people’s aspirations.
Akume, a former governor of Benue State, emphasised teamwork and said his leadership would prioritise the interests of the Benue people while working to restore the state’s economic and political relevance.
He also urged continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda aims to bring sustainable development and improved livelihoods.
“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,” Akume said.
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Akume commended the experience and intellectual capacity of the visiting leaders, describing them as “respected stakeholders” rather than “internally displaced politicians.” He extended an olive branch to all leaders in the state, saying he harboured no resentment and called for a united front to secure victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Reminiscing about his two terms as Benue governor from 1999 to 2007, Akume said the state enjoyed unprecedented development under his administration and that the foundation laid then could be built upon to spur further growth.
The delegation unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s bid for a second term and delivered a vote of confidence in Akume’s leadership. The motion supporting the endorsement was moved by Dan Ali, a former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, and seconded by Joe Abaagu, a former state Attorney General.
Leader of the delegation, Jime, raised concerns about what he described as a decline in democratic values in Benue, calling on the SGF to use his influence to reposition the APC in the state. Jime urged a return to internal democracy, inclusiveness, and fairness to rebuild confidence among party members.
“I was one of your students,” Jime told Akume, recalling a lesson in humility and leadership from Akume during the 2003 election. “The lesson of saying to even those who are downtrodden that you have a shoulder that they can lean on … Today, we have in place a situation that has turned 360 degrees.”
Other notable attendees included Douglas Pepe, Cephas Tushima, Peter Ashiekaa, Usar, Qs Beetseh, Joy Liga, Nelson Alapa, Patrick Idoko, Hon. David Igbosa, Austin Agbada, and Msoo Igbo.
