From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Tor Tiv, HRM, Orchivirigh Professor James Ayatse, has waded into the crisis between his two sons, Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Senator George Akume, both leaders in the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Benue state, with a view to bring reconciliation and lasting peace between them.
The reconciliation took place during a peace meeting held at the Tor Tiv’s palace in Gboko on Easter Monday, April 1, 2024.
It was gathered that the meeting was a great honour to the Tor Tiv as the two sons thronged the palace with their supporters at the invitation of their father, the Tor Tiv.
Addressing them before a selected few, the Tor Tiv, Professor Ayatse expressed displeasure over some unfolding events, pro-electioneering utterances and activities threatening to tear the state and Tiv nation apart.
He said he would not have his sons fight themselves when they should be out there bringing honour and glory to the state and her people.
Recall that Sen George Akume and Governor Hyacinth Alia have been having a cold war over the control of the party structure in the state.
Despite claims by the two leaders, at different fora that there was no rift between them, the activities in the party have suggested otherwise with the crisis deepening on a daily basis.
They had always ascribed the stories of their fight to the handiwork of political jobbers who they said were not happy with the victory of the party at the 2023 polls.
But recently, the rift between them deepened with the inauguration of a factional state working committee of APC by Governor Alia. This was after the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, had on separate occasions appealed to them to close ranks and allow peace to reign.
But meeting with the two leaders, the Tor Tiv said “Today being Easter Monday, I called the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and the SGF, Sen George Akume, to discuss with them because of some of the reports that we have received about conflicts between them, political differences and we have spoken with them.
“They have told us and discussed the issues with us and we have all discussed and agreed together.
“They agree 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 you have a fresh start, working together in unity, in cooperation and agreement for the progress and development of Benue State.
“They made a commitment before us and they have agreed by symbolically shaking hands and embracing one another, that they will work together as a team. They will bury their differences and work together smoothly as it used to be before, as senior brother and younger brother, representing Benue.
“We are happy with the resolutions they took themselves and we believe they have shown commitment to actions in this decision they have taken.
“Most importantly, we are their fathers in the land and our blessings have a lot of importance in their activities, so to make such commitment in the presence of the traditional rulers in the land is very weighty and we do believe that they will adhere to the resolutions that we have reached today,” the Tor Tiv said.