As preparations for the 2027 general elections get up steam, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has expressed hope that Benue State will regain its economic and political glory.
Akume addressed a group of notable All Progressives Congress (APC) members from the state’s three senatorial districts, including some lawmakers who supported Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The group, led by Emmanuel Jime, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), supported President Bola Tinubu for a second term and vowed allegiance to Akume’s leadership.
In a statement released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Akume expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for their support and encouraged them to continue working together to advance the state.
According to the former governor of Benue State, cooperation among APC members is essential to preserving political stability and fulfilling the desires and ambitions of the populace.
Akume reassured the group that his administration will prioritize the needs of Benue inhabitants while also working to restore the state’s importance.
The party stakeholders who were urged to back Tinubu’s administration claimed that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to advance sustainable development and improve Nigerians’ well-being.
Instead of referring to the delegation’s members as “internally displaced politicians,” the SGF characterized them as seasoned and reputable political stakeholders.
He stated that Benue State’s political and economic development continued to benefit from their expertise, aptitude, and intellectual contributions.
According to Akume, the Tinubu administration has greatly boosted funding allotted to state and local governments.
According to him, the state governments ought to be held responsible for how the extra funding for development is used.
“I am aware that the President has pushed a lot of money to the states and local governments in an unprecedented way,” Akume stated.
All levels of government have access to the Federation Account. Mr. President is not to blame if we are unable to advance our state.
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“He is fulfilling his obligations to the nation and the states, and Benue is not an exception.”
Instead of blaming the federal government for local issues, the SGF advised the state’s political leaders to concentrate on providing development.
According to Akume, he had no ill will toward any Benue political figure or stakeholder.
He urged all party members to cooperate in order to secure Tinubu’s win in the 2027 presidential contest.
Recalling his administration from 1999 to 2007, the former governor claimed that Benue saw significant infrastructure, development, and investment projects during that time.
He claimed that by implementing initiatives that enhanced living circumstances and increased possibilities for citizens, his administration laid the groundwork for the state’s socioeconomic development.
The conference concluded with a vote of confidence in Akume’s leadership and a unanimous endorsement of Tinubu’s reelection campaign.
Dan Ali, a former deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, made the motion, and Joe Abaagu, a former state attorney general, seconded it.
Jime had previously voiced worry over Benue State’s alleged deterioration of democratic values.
He urged for greater cooperation among political stakeholders to reposition the state, claiming that it had been reduced to the domain of established democratic norms.