Tiv Monarch, Prof Ayatse reconciles Gov Alia, SSG, Akume

Ayatse said, “The leaders have made a commitment to keep to their word and ensure that there is peace and unity between them going forward.“

By Kehinde Okeowo

Tiv paramount ruler, Prof James Ayatse, and his Traditional Council have initiated a reconciliation between Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The revered monarch made this known recently while addressing journalists, saying the two All Progressives Party (APC) chieftains had come to an agreement to resolve their differences amicably.

The two Benue political heavyweights have been locked in a silent battle over the control of the North Central state.

The crisis reached its peak when Alia’s supporters inaugurated a rival faction of the APC State Executive Council.

However, out of concern, the Tiv paramount ruler and his Traditional Council invited the two parties to sit down and talk things out.

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Speaking after the reconciliatory effort, Ayatse 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, in cooperation and agreement for the progress and development of Benue.

“The leaders have made a commitment to keep to their word and ensure that there is peace and unity between them going forward.

“Yes, they made a commitment. They shook hands and embraced one another. They have promised to work as a team.

“We are happy with the resolutions they took themselves and we believe they have shown commitment. We are their fathers in the land; our blessings have a lot of importance in their activities.

“So, to make such a commitment in the presence of the traditional rulers of the land is very weighty. We do believe that they will adhere to the resolutions that we have reached today.”