By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Benue governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday put politics aside to celebrate one of his predecessors and the incumbent Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, who clocked 71 years.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi poured encomiums on Akume, a fellow member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
In the statement, Alia expressed gratitude to God for keeping Akume to witness another birthday in good health, sound mind and excellent spirit.
Alia also described Akume who is also a former minister, as a beneficiary of the immense grace of God, judging by the great achievements God has helped him to attain in politics and public service.
He appreciated Akume for his legacies in the state and the country, as governor, senator, minister and now, SGF.
The Benue Governor prayed to God to grant Akume long life, good health and accelerated divine fulfillment of his wishes, as he continued to offer quality service to the country.
Recall that Alia fell out with Akume over control of the structure of the Benue chapter of APC and choice of the presiding officers of the State House of Assembly soon after he assumed office as governor.
This was in spite of the fact that the SGF played a major role in ensuring that he got the gubernatorial ticket of the party to contest the election.
The Governor had accused Akume of attempting to impose his loyalists as the presiding officers of the Benue House of Assembly.
The disagreement between the Governor and the SGF has since then led to factionalisation of the Benue chapter of APC and division among elected officials of the state. While some of the elected officials pledge loyalty to Akume, others are supporting Alia.
