By Ijeoma Obioma in Makurdi.
The Benue Patriots has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the cold war between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume in the interest of Benue State.
The President of the group, Comrade Daniel Boor and Secretary, Chia Genesis, said on Sunday at a press conference in Makurdi that despite the pretence between the duo, a cold war was ongoing among them and impacting negatively on the state of affairs in Benue.
Governor Alia had repeatedly at different outings implied no love lost between him and the SGF.
The governor recently while addressing supporters after his tribunal victory at the IBB Square in Makurdi also appreciated the SGF for his leadership, with a call on the people to disregard rumours of division within the party (APC).
But the group alleged that, “There is problem between Alia and SGF. The battle as we stated already is for the soul of Benue State – economic control – and the signs are there which politicians can read between the lines.”
In a statement Boor read before newsmen entitled, “Let Benue breathe,” the group contended that there were growing public concerns about the way some politicians were carrying on in the state to destabilize the administration of Governor Alia.
While stating that they do want the SGF ousted from his office, the group expressed worry over an alleged mobilisation of people by Akume for the total control of the state which in their estimation was the main ripple tearing both men apart.
“We are not agitating for the removal of Akume. But Akume is not actually living in his expectation as a leader.
“Tinubu is the leader of APC, as father of the family, if they (Akume and Alia) are driving from different ends, it’s not in the interest of the party. So, we feel he should call them to calm down.
“As a people who have suffered from underdevelopment, we urge President Tinubu to call these people who want to create confusion in the state to order with the view that Governor Alia will provide the needed development that we have longed for after several years of democracy.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
“We are law abiding citizens and that is why we are calling on the President to intervene with the hope that we will enjoy dividends of democracy,” Boor said.
