Dr. Akutah honoured in Benue as calls for him to run for governor intensifies

Dr. Akutah honoured in Benue as calls for him to run for governor intensifies

By Benedicta Aboh

A mood of celebration mixed with political anticipation swept through NKST Ikyanyon, Adikpo, in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, as influential personalities from across the country converged to honour Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC). The event, organised as a thanksgiving and reception, commemorated his two-year stewardship at the agency and attracted leaders from the political sphere, traditional institutions, business community, civil society, and the clergy.

Speakers at the reception applauded Dr. Akutah’s leadership for driving reforms within the maritime sector, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare nationwide.

In his speech, Dr. Akutah thanked God and the people of Benue State for their support, urging them to sustain their backing for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its ongoing reforms. He also paid special tribute to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume, whom he referred to as a guiding force in his career.

He declared that “come 2027, the entire North-Central, loyalists, political sons, and friends of the SGF across the country will give overwhelming votes for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.”

Reacting to persistent appeals for him to contest the Benue governorship in 2027, Dr. Akutah acknowledged ongoing consultations and assured his supporters that Kwande would be prominent in the state’s political future.

“I have heard every call and statement made by different speakers here, I have received delegations of various socio-cultural groups and associations, including the clergy and the Kwande people, urging me to contest the 2027 governorship. While I am still considering your call, I can assure you that Kwande will take a bold shot at the governorship. Today’s celebration will be our victory dance at Government House when we win.”

Goodwill messages were delivered by several notable figures including Senator George Akume (represented by Elder Simon Shango), APC State Chairman Comrade Austin Agada, Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende (represented by Hon. Amokaha Gboughour), Kwande/Ushongo lawmaker Hon. Terseer Ugbor (represented by Dr. Manaseh Akperashi), Minister of Water Resources Prof. Joseph Utsev (represented by Chief Michael Msuaan), and Gwer/Gwer West representative Hon. Asema Achado.

Other dignitaries such as Lady Helen Atom, Chief Terlumun Akputu, former Senator Jack Gyado (represented by Prof. Iorwuese Hagher), and several distinguished guests commended Dr. Akutah’s contributions to public service, community development, and philanthropy.

In his goodwill remarks, APC State Chairman Comrade Agada criticised what he described as leadership failure in Benue, asserting that the party would field a visionary candidate to restore people-focused governance.

In a symbolic address, President-General of Jemgbagh Development Association, Chief Yandev Ama’abai, compared Benue’s condition to “a ship that has sunk in the middle of the river,” stressing that the state urgently needs a new captain. He endorsed Dr. Akutah as the leader capable of steering the state to safety.

Earlier, officiating minister Pastor Atim Daa, preaching from 1 Chronicles 17:1–15, likened Dr. Akutah’s devotion to King David’s, describing him as “a man who honors God through service and thanksgiving.” He prophesied divine reward for his generosity toward church projects.

Traditional rulers Tor Kwande, HRH Chief Ambrose Pine Iortyer, and Ter Kwande, HRH Chief Timothy Ahile, graced the ceremony alongside their spouses.

The event concluded with prayers, praise songs, and intensified calls for Dr. Akutah to officially join the 2027 governorship race, as supporters expressed confidence that Kwande’s moment of political ascendancy may be approaching.