‘Benue is too important’: Tinubu wades into Akume, Alia feud

President Bola Tinubu has promised to resolve the political feud between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Tinubu made the vow at the wedding reception of Deborah and Samuel Akume, son of the SGF, in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Akume has paid his dues and there was no need for the discord with the governor.

Tinubu added that he has a moral obligation to wade in because what affects Benue State would affect the entire North Central and Nigeria.

The president said: “Benue is too important for us to toy with. We cannot afford to allow the discord between the elder statesman, Senator Akume, and Governor Alia to escalate.

“What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. If this relationship goes assunder, it is the people of Benue, North Central, and Nigeria that will suffer.

“Senator Akume has paid his dues. He is the longest-serving public servant in the contemporary history of this country.

“He was director of protocol, permanent secretary, two-time governor, three-time senator and minority leader of the Senate, minister, and now SGF.

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“This is why I used to call him a cat with nine lives. He installs a governor and dethrones and puts another. He fell out with that one; he dethroned him and installed another one.”

In his remarks, Akume thanked the president for honouring his family during their moment of celebration.

Akume also commended Governor Alia for finding time out of his tight schedule to honour the invitation to witness the wedding of his son.

He assured the couple of his continuous support and prayers for them.

On his part, Alia congratulated the new couple and commended them for bringing joy and respect to their families, the state, and the nation at large.

The Star