…warns of looming political crisis in Benue

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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 an escalating 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 lingering feud between the two prominent leaders is already worsening the security and political climate in Benue State, with dangerous implications if left unresolved.

In a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi, the Secretary of CERON, Mr. Francis Odiir, cautioned that the crisis was fast getting out of hand and could degenerate into a major political upheaval ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Odiir said recent events, particularly what he described as a “show of shame” between supporters of Governor Alia and Senator Akume during last weekend’s Tiv Day celebration in Gboko, should serve as a clear warning of looming trouble.

“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 situation continues unchecked, Benue, an All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled state, could witness political turmoil of unimaginable proportions as the next election approaches.

The CERON scribe recalled that President Tinubu, during his last visit to Benue State, had urged the feuding leaders to work together in the interest of peace and development.

He also noted that the Tor Tiv, His Royal Highness, Prof. James Ayatse, had initiated peace moves between the two camps, but lamented that despite these efforts, the crisis had continued to rage.

“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 had already been sharply polarised into pro-Alia and pro-Akume factions, a development the group said was becoming messier and more dangerous by the day.

Odiir stressed that the earlier the President stepped in to broker peace, the better it would be for the stability and unity of Benue State.

“If the President fails to intervene now, Benue may be heading for the worst political crisis in its history in the coming days and weeks,” he warned.

CERON therefore urged the Presidency to “act decisively to prevent the deepening divide from spiralling into widespread unrest and undermining peace, security and democratic governance in the state.”