CERON urges Tinubu to step In as Alia–Akume power struggle threatens Benue stability

By James Ike

The Campaign for Equal Rights and Opportunities for all Nigerians (CERON) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in what it described as a deepening supremacy battle between Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

CERON warned that the prolonged feud between the two political heavyweights is already worsening Benue State’s security and political atmosphere, with potentially dangerous consequences if allowed to fester.

In a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi, CERON’s Secretary, Mr. Francis Odiir, said the crisis was fast spiralling out of control and could erupt into a major political upheaval ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Odiir pointed to recent developments, particularly what he described as a “show of shame” involving supporters of both leaders during last weekend’s Tiv Day celebration in Gboko, as a troubling sign of escalating tensions.

“That incident in Gboko is a signal of what lies ahead if urgent steps are not taken. This is why the President must act now and put an end to the crisis before it engulfs the entire state,” Odiir said.

He warned that if the feud continues unchecked, Benue, an All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled state, could descend into political turmoil of unimaginable proportions as the next election cycle draws closer.

The CERON scribe recalled that President Tinubu, during his last visit to Benue State, had urged the feuding leaders to set aside their differences and work together in the interest of peace and development. He also noted that the Tor Tiv, His Royal Highness, Prof. James Ayatse, had initiated reconciliation efforts, but lamented that the crisis had persisted despite these interventions.

“Unfortunately, there is no end in sight at the moment, and the people of Benue are the ones bearing the brunt of this political conflict,” Odiir said.

According to CERON, the state has become sharply polarised into pro-Alia and pro-Akume camps, a development the group described as increasingly messy and dangerous.

Odiir stressed that early presidential intervention was crucial to restoring stability and unity in the state, warning that failure to act could push Benue toward its worst political crisis in history.

CERON therefore called on the Presidency to act decisively to halt the deepening divide, prevent widespread unrest, and safeguard peace, security and democratic governance in Benue State.