A group operating under the aegis of Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ), has warned against what it described as “unnecessary” protest demanding for the removal of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume from office.
The group has expressed its unhappiness and disappointment against the Benue Renaissance and the newly inaugurated Gubernatorial Liaison Officers for embarking on sponsored protests against the SGF.
The group cautioned those who were complicit in the matter to be wary that their actions were not only threatening the political stability of the state but was also against the will of the majority of the Benue people.
In a statement signed by Aloysius Gbakaan, President, ATJ, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, the group warned that the backlash of the action of the protestors from the people of the state would be significant, adding that ATJ would not allow “the greed and ambition” of a few individuals to dictate the collective future of the people of the state.
He decried the situation where the first assignment of the recently inaugurated GLOs, was to orchestrate the removal of the SGF, insisting that the development reflects a misplacement of priorities on the part of the state government.
Gbakaan observed that rather than focus on the development and welfare of Benue state, the state government was directing its efforts towards undermining a key representative of our people, describing the actions of the group and by extension the state government as the “Betrayal of Benue unity, misguided priorities and illusion of power among other issues.
He said, “We, the Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ), express our deepest shock, sadness and disappointment regarding the recent action taken by the groups under the aegis of Benue Renaissance and the Gubernatorial Liaison Officers, who staged a protest demanding the removal of Senator George Akume from his position as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
“The protest which was ostensibly instigated by Governor Hyacinth Alia, indicated a disturbing and condescending attack on a fellow Benue son and a respected leader who has been elevated to serve our great nation in a key position as the SGF.”
Gbakaan said, “We hereby condemn this action for the following reasons: Betrayal of Benue Unity: It is disheartening that Governor Alia, who should be working towards unity among the Benue people, has chosen to incite divisions by targeting Senator Akume and other prominent Benue sons. This betrayal is not just a personal attack; it also undermines the collective interests of our people.
“Misguided Priorities: The first assignment given to the Gubernatorial Liaison Officers recently inaugurated by Governor Hyacinth Alia – to orchestrate the removal of a fellow Benue man from a sensitive federal position – reflects a severe misjudgment of priorities on the part of the governor. Rather than focusing on the development and welfare of Benue state, Governor Alia is directing efforts towards undermining a key representative of our people.
“Illusion of Power: The belief that removing Senator Akume will bring any tangible benefits to Benue State is a mere mirage. Even if the SGF position were vacated by Senator Akume, as Governor Alia desperately wants, it is unrealistic to expect the seat to be filled by another Benue son. This is an oversimplified view of political influence that tends to ignore the complexities of federal appointments”, the president of the group said.
While stating that Senator Akume shares a long-standing bond with President Tinubu, Gbakaan, told the sponsors of the protest not to be under any illusion that, if, the SGF were removed from office, the position would be given to another Benue son.
The ATJ president said, “Senator Akume and President Bola Tinubu share a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration. The petty local sentiments being inflamed by Governor Alia’s loyalists cannot and should not overshadow this bond. Such sentiments can only trivialize the hard work and dedication that both leaders have invested in their respective roles.
“We caution those who are complicit in this campaign against Senator Akume. Their actions are not only threatening the political stability of Benue State but also disregarding the will of thousands of Benue people who stand in support of Senator Akume as the SGF. The backlash from our people will be significant, as we will not allow the greed and ambition of a few to dictate our collective future.
“Senator George Akume is doing a fantastic job in his position as the SGF by linking the centre with our dear state in various aspects of development. What Senator Akume deserves is maximum support not distractions and the insults being directed at him by individuals loyal to Alia and the Governor’s appointees.”
Therefore, while stressing the need for solidarity, he said, “We urge the people of Benue State to recognize the importance of standing together in support of Senator George Akume who is representing us exceptionally well at the national level as the SGF. We must reject any attempts to castigate our leader in order to make him look bad before the rest of the country.
“If Governor Alia has wasted his goodwill and fallen out of favour with the majority of Benue people, he should not use SGF Akume as a straw to hold onto and prevent his political ship from sinking. He should sink alone and blame only himself.
“Finally, we demand an immediate cessation of these unwarranted attacks against Senator George Akume by Governor Alia and his band of supporters. The SGF is very busy coordinating administrative affairs for Mr President and the entire Federal Executive Council and deserves to be allowed to concentrate on his duties”, Gbakaan counseled.
