By Abiola Olawale
The Paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation, HRM Professor James Ayatse, has successfully brokered a peace agreement between Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume.
The New Diplomat gathered that the reconciliation occurred at the Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko on Monday night.
Accompanying Governor Alia to the meeting was a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Chief Barnabas Gemade, while Senator Akume was accompanied by Senator Jack Gyado, National Assembly members from the State, including Chief Titus Zam (Benue Northwest), Asema Achado (Gwer+ Gwer West), and Minister of Water Resources Joseph Utsev.
The closed-door meeting, which extended late into the night, was later opened to other political actors and journalists. Alia and Akume embraced each other and shook hands in the presence of the Tiv and the public, signaling their acceptance of the reconciliation deal.
Ayatse, while briefing journalists after the meeting, commended the duo for burying their grievances for the greater good of the citizens of Benue State.
He said: “The two leaders have agreed to put aside their political differences and work for the progress of Benue. Today, I called the Governor of Benue, Rev Fr Alia, and the SGF, Sen George Akume, to discuss with them because of reports that we have received about conflicts between them.
“We have spoken with them. They have told us the issues. We discussed the issues and agreed together. They agreed to bury their differences and work together as a team for the good of the people.
“So, all the past differences have been put aside, and now we have a fresh start. We shall work together in unity, cooperation, and agreement for the progress and development of Benue. The leaders have committed to keep to their word and ensure that there is peace and unity between them going forward.”
The New Diplomat reports that Alia and Akume had been in a cold war over the political leadership of the state.
The crisis became full-blown when Alia established his faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Omakolo as chairman, while Senator Akume and the National Secretariat of the APC recognized Austine Agada as the chairman in Benue state.
While the duo had agreed to come together under the same umbrella, the terms and agreements of the negotiations remain unclear.
