Akutah says Benue will stand with Tinubu, lauds president over creation of Marine, Blue Economy ministry
By Julius Alabi
The Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, ES/CEO, Nigerian Shipper’s Council, NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah has assured the nation of the support of the Benue electorates for the reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Akutah, said the people of the state are ready to vote massively for Tinubu as a mark of gratitude for the love and concern the president has shown to the people of the state, through the provision of critical infrastructure and political patronage.
The ES/CEO who made this known in an interaction with Journalists said the Benue electorates will surely reward the President with higher votes than he got in the 2023 general election as an expression of their solidarity for the President in identifying with the state in addressing most of its challenges.
He said the Tinubu-led administration has awarded contracts for the construction of huge infrastructural projects across the state that would positively impact the living standard of the populace.
According to him, the recent visit of the President to commiserate with the people of the state over the gruesome murder of over 200 people at Yelwata community by herdsman, is another indication of the President’s sincere affection for the people of the state
He further noted the president’s clear directive to the security agencies to apprehend the killer-herdsmen as a hallmark of a leader who is committed to the welfare and well-being of the citizens.
Sighting the appointment of Sen. George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF,
Akutah maintained that Akumem’s appointment would is historic; saying no government in Nigeria has shown such benevolence to the Benue people.
On the issue of the economy, the ES/CEO declared that Tinubu’s decisive leadership approach in governance has ensured that more funds are available to the subregional governments for development.
The former state prosecutor commended the president for the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic move capable of unlocking Nigeria’s vast maritime potential and reviving the economy.
He said the establishment of the Ministry is a masterstroke” that would reposition the nation to harness its underutilised ocean resources while accelerating reforms in the port industry.
He noted that for years, Nigeria had failed to fully tap into its marine wealth despite its extensive coastline and maritime trade opportunities.
According to him, ongoing efforts to modernise and revamp port operations are part of a broader strategy to maximise the economic benefits of the blue economy, attract investment, and create jobs.
Akutah also underscored the crucial role of the media in promoting development-oriented ideas and holding leaders accountable, describing journalists as “the conscience of society.”
He urged the group to help spotlight the opportunities in the blue economy and support initiatives that project Nigeria’s maritime potential both nationally and internationally. “You occupy a very key position in terms of national development’
Earlier, President of the Conference of Benue Journalists, Dr. Emmanuel Anule commended Akutah’s transformative initiatives at the council, expressing delight that the association is proud to identify with him.
Highlighting some of his notable achievements, Anule urged Akutah as one of the illustrious sons of Benue to continue projecting the state in a positive light in his current position.
