Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to settle their differences and collaborate for the development and stability of the state.
Shettima made the appeal at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit, organised by the Progressive Governors’ Forum at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.
The Vice President described the ongoing feud between Akume and Alia as detrimental to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, noting that the party has been divided by the rivalry, which intensified after parallel ward congresses last Wednesday produced conflicting APC executives.
Addressing the leaders, Shettima said:
“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. Benue deserves peace. Benue deserves development.”
He praised Akume as a seasoned public servant with decades of experience spanning roles as director of protocol, permanent secretary, governor, senator, minister, and now SGF, urging him to reach out to his “junior brother” for the good of the state.
The Vice President also emphasized national unity, saying Nigeria’s future is closely tied to Africa’s growth trajectory. Quoting Martin Luther King Jr, he warned:
“We either learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. And we are not a nation of fools.”
Shettima concluded by praying for peace and progress in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, urging leaders to prioritise collaboration over discord.