Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to embrace peace and reconciliation, cautioning {that a} sustained rift between each leaders may negatively have an effect on Benue State, the North-Central zone and Nigeria as an entire.
Shettima made the attraction on Sunday in Makurdi whereas addressing friends at the marriage ceremony reception of Senator Akume’s son, the place he underscored Benue’s strategic significance to nationwide cohesion and improvement.
“Benue is not solely the heartbeat of the nation; it goes past being the meals basket. Benue is a trendsetter, and Benue has a big coronary heart,” the Vice President stated.
He lauded the Tiv folks, describing them as the largest non-Muslim ethnic group in Northern Nigeria, with populations unfold throughout Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory and elements of Borno State.
Recalling the 2023 common elections, Shettima stated the polls have been amongst the most polarising in Nigeria’s latest historical past however praised Benue voters for rising above divisions and selecting nationwide curiosity over ethnic or spiritual concerns.
“The Tiv nation determined to vote for the Nigerian candidate, not the spiritual candidate, not the Northern candidate,” he stated, noting that the resolution demonstrated political maturity and patriotism.
The Vice President additionally recommended Senator Akume for his inclusive management type, describing him as a unifying determine inside Benue, the North-Central area and the nation at giant.
“The folks name him the chief of Benue. He’s a pacesetter of the North-Central and a pacesetter in Nigeria,” Shettima acknowledged.
He warned towards the risks of political disunity, quoting civil rights chief Martin Luther King Jr.: “We both be taught to dwell along with others or perish collectively.”
Shettima harassed that the disagreement between Akume and Governor Alia ought to not be allowed to escalate. “We can’t afford to allow the discord between the elder statesman, Distinguished Senator George Akume, and the Governor of Benue State, my brother, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to fester.
“We have now an ethical obligation to step in and heal wounds. What binds us collectively supersedes no matter divides us,” he stated.
In accordance with the Vice President, the fallout from a breakdown of their relationship can be extreme. “If this relationship goes asunder, it’s the folks of Benue that will undergo, the folks of the North-Central that will undergo, and the folks of Nigeria that will undergo,” he warned.
Describing Akume as certainly one of the most seasoned public officers in the nation, Shettima highlighted his intensive profession in public service. “He has paid his dues. He’s the longest-serving public servant in the up to date historical past of this nation,” he stated.
He listed Akume’s previous roles, together with Director of Protocol, Everlasting Secretary, two-term governor of Benue State, senator for 12 years, Senate Minority Chief for eight years, minister, and now SGF.
“That is why I used to name him a cat with 9 lives,” Shettima stated jokingly, whereas acknowledging Akume’s lasting relevance in Nigerian politics.
Regardless of previous political variations, the Vice President insisted that unity should prevail. “We will not allow the relationship between him and the transformative governor to go asunder,” he stated, assuring that he would personally intervene to fix the relationship.
“I’ve that ethical obligation as a pacesetter of the North to work on that relationship, to restore the broken relationship, as a result of he has a giant coronary heart. He’s our chief, and we maintain him in the highest esteem,” Shettima added.
