CSO, Others Seek Tinubu, APC’s Intervention In Rift Between Alia, Akume

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) and minority opposition events in Benue State have requested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene within the lingering political disaster throughout the celebration within the state.

Recall that Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Governor Hyacinth Iornem Alia have been locked in a protracted political dispute since 2023, bordering on the management of the state celebration construction and loyalty, with supporters divided into two opposing camps.

Addressing a press convention at Top Rank Hotel, Utako, Abuja, on Wednesday, the coalition alleged that Akume and different APC chieftains have been operating a parallel construction to undermine the governor.

In a press release collectively issued by Comrade Richard Oduma, Joseph Uyeh, Jonah Ojobo and Dr Agbo Madaki after the press convention, they linked the SGF to a “rainbow coalition” involving parts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) to weaken the governor’s political affect.

According to the group, “Such activities could deepen political divisions, trigger insecurity and undermine President Tinubu’s electoral prospects in Benue State if not checked and tackled immediately.”

It expressed help for the place of the APC Governors’ Forum recognising serving governors as celebration leaders of their respective states, urging the nationwide management to uphold the precept.

“We advise the SGF to remember that he is a statesman, not an opposition leader. As the highest-ranking member of the ruling party in the North Central zone and a former Governor of Benue State, Senator and Minister, his mandate is to build bridges, not destroy them,” the assertion learn.

It additionally urged National Assembly members allegedly aligned with Akume to reconcile with Governor Alia, whereas calling on the APC management to warning Barrister Pius Akutah over his alleged involvement in anti-party actions intentionally tailor-made to focus on the second-term ambition of Governor Alia.

“We will not sit idly by while personal egos and interests jeopardise the security and development of our people. The failure to act and put an end to these political confrontations could undermine governance and democratic stability in the state,” the assertion added.

The coalition threatened to embark on a statewide protest if the alleged actions persist, insisting that defending the peace, stability and political way forward for Benue State stays its precedence.