The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has expressed optimism that Benue State will return to its economic and political glory as activities toward the 2027 general elections intensify.
Akume spoke when he received some prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the three senatorial districts of the state, including some politicians who were in the camp of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The delegation led by a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime, pledged loyalty to Akume’s leadership and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Akume, in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, appreciated the stakeholders for their support and enjoined them to remain united in the pursuit of the development of the state.
The former governor of Benue State said that members of the APC working together was vital to ensuring political stability and achieving the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
Akume assured the delegation that his leadership would continue to work to restore the state’s relevance while at the same time prioritising the interests of Benue residents.
The call was made by party stakeholders who were urged to back Tinubu’s administration and said that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to foster sustainable development and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
Read Also: 2027: APC’s same faith presidential ticket raises fresh dust
The SGF described the delegation members as experienced and respected political stakeholders, not “internally displaced politicians.”
Their experience, capacity and intellectual inputs remained valuable to the political and economic development of Benue State, he said.
The Tinubu administration had increased financial allocations to states and local governments substantially, Akume said.
He said the state governments should be held accountable for the use of increased allocations for development.
“I know that the President has in an unprecedented manner, pushed a lot of money to the states and the local governments,” Akume said.
All levels of government have access to the Federation Account. If we can’t develop our state, it’s not Mr President’s fault.
“Benue is not an exception to the rule, he is doing what he is expected to do for the country and for the states.”
The SGF called on the political leaders in the state to focus on development and stop blaming the Federal Government for local problems.
Akume said he has no grudge against any political leader or stakeholder in Benue.
He reached out to all members of the party, calling on them to come together to ensure Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.
The former governor recalled his administration between 1999 and 2007, saying Benue attracted substantial investment, infrastructure and development projects during the period.
He said his administration had set the stage for the socio-economic growth of the state with the introduction of programmes that improved living conditions and expanded opportunities for residents.
The meeting ended with a unanimous endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election bid and a vote of confidence on Akume’s leadership.
The motion was moved by a former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Dan Ali and seconded by a former Attorney-General of the state, Joe Abaagu.
Earlier, Jime had expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of democratic values in Benue State.
He claimed that the state had been relegated to the realm of established democratic principles and called for increased co-operation among political stakeholders to reposition the state.
