Shettima to SGF, Alia: Mend fences and work as a team… Benue deserves peace

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the state.

Shettima spoke during the renewed hope ambassadors summit organised by the Progressive Governors’ Forum held at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.

There has been a protracted cold war between the SGF and the Benue governor, which has factionalised the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The feud escalated last Wednesday after rival APC factions produced parallel executives during the ward congress held across the state.

Addressing the gathering, Shettima urged the two leaders to reconcile and work together in the interest of Benue.

“We make a special appeal to His Excellency Senator George Akume and His Excellency Senator Hyacinth Alia to mend fences and work as a team,” he said.

The vice-president described Akume as one of the longest-serving public servants in the current dispensation, citing his decades-long career across several offices, including director of protocol, permanent secretary, governor, senator, minister, and now SGF.

“You have seen it all. You are an elder statesman. Reach out to our junior brother. Let’s build Benue together. Benue deserves peace. Benue deserves development,” he said.

Shettima added that unity must take precedence over divisions, stressing that Nigeria’s future is tied to Africa’s growth trajectory.

“What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa, and Nigeria will make or mar that transition. Nigeria is greater than all of us,” he said.

Quoting Martin Luther King Jr, the vice-president warned that the country must choose unity over discord.

“We either learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. And we are not a nation of fools,” he added.

“We are a nation of very intelligent, very smart people that know their onions.”

Shettima concluded by thanking the audience and praying for the peace and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.