Akume not silent on Benue killings, SGF’s aide counters Alia’s claim

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has accused Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia of attempting to manipulate public sentiment against SGF George Akume by making “deliberate and unfortunate” insinuations in a recent media appearance.

The reaction followed the Governor’s appearance on Channels Television where he alleged that the SGF and his associates had not spoken out on the worsening insecurity in the Sankera axis of Benue State.

Governor Alia also claimed he possessed a report from a state-appointed panel that allegedly indicts certain individuals based in Abuja for sponsoring the violence.

In a statement over the weekend by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs in the SGF’s office, the federal official refuted the governor’s insinuations, describing them as misguided and misleading.

“If the Governor of Benue State has expected that the SGF would be seen in the media discussing the efforts he has been making in that regard, then it betrays either a lack of understanding of governmental administrative procedure, or he is deliberately and unfortunately seeking to manipulate public sentiments against the SGF,” the statement reads.

The SGF’s office emphasised that Senator Akume has been “deeply involved” in the fight against insecurity, within and beyond the bounds of his constitutional responsibilities, and that such interventions have been channeled appropriately through the Federal Executive Council.

“As a member of the Federal Security Council, His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Alia very well understands how the Federal Executive Council functions, and how it is through its channels of communication and administrative action, in which the SGF is centrally involved, that several security interventions have been made to Benue State,” the statement added.

The SGF’s team further defended lawmakers from Benue State whom Governor Alia allegedly labeled as “cronies” of Senator Akume, noting their consistent efforts to spotlight Benue’s security crisis on the floor of the National Assembly.

“Distinguished Senators Titus Zam and Emmanuel Udende, as well as members of the House of Representatives from Benue State, have been most vociferous on the floor of the NASS in calling attention to issues of insecurity in Benue State.

Addressing the Governor’s remarks about the yet-to-be-released panel report, the SGF’s office stressed that due process demands such documents be vetted and transformed into a White Paper before being considered an official government position.

“But since His Excellency the Governor has chosen, perhaps as a result of how burning the issue is, to let the cat out of the bag before the administrative procedure, we urge him to make good on his word and expose those involved,” the statement urged.

It challenged the Governor to forward the names of those indicted in the report to both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Security Council, adding that preemptive public accusations without administrative backing could carry national security implications.

“The Governor must understand that his allegations and preemptive indictment of the persons so fingered now carry the weight of national security concern and must be treated as such,” the SGF’s office stated.

The statement also advised Governor Alia to adopt a more inclusive and transparent approach to combating insecurity, particularly by engaging with local communities.

“Such an approach will help to shape for His Excellency a consistent position regarding the crisis—such as whether it is foreign terrorists, Benue people themselves or whoever is responsible—thereby eradicating his seeming confusion as to who actually is responsible,” the statement added.

Despite the pointed response, the SGF reiterated his commitment to supporting peace efforts in Benue State and elsewhere.

“Senator George Akume remains committed to the best interests of Benue State and the well-being of the people and is doing everything in his official and private capacity to ensure the eradication of insecurity,” it stated.

Kuanum  ended the statement with a note of reconciliation, expressing prayers for the governor’s continued strength and guidance in navigating the state’s challenges.