Does Senator Akume and His Team Care for Benue?
“If Governor Alia were to align himself with Akume today, we can anticipate a stagnation in development. Akume would conveniently craft narratives to defend this lack of vision, only to brandish criticism when his unquenchable interests are not met. This stark hypocrisy cannot be allowed to happen and stand…”
BY TERSOO KULA
Following my last outing bothering on the orchestrated madness perpetuated by Senator George Akume and his minions, I have received a barrage of rejoinders. I have read no fewer than eight so far. It is obvious that most of the rejoinders originated from juvenile activists, and a handful of roadside merchants of political opportunism.
Moreover, there are hundreds of delusional assertions by clannish bigots and some mindless drones.
Yet, amidst their cacophony, a glaring absence stands out: none have attempted to address the substantive issue of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s performance.
I read with sympathy for them, how they came in their turns, all floundering like fishes out of water. Pitiably, they focused on claims of betrayal against Akume, and also lamentations of Alia’s reconciliation with those who previously took him to court.
Let me pose this question: why are these defenders of Akume’s malodorous petulance not engaging with the substantive issues at hand? Akume’s recent “hand of fellowship” towards former Governor Samuel Ortom administered a cheerless contrast to the accusations levied against me. Why is it that they fail to demolish my disputation based on verifiable facts?
What does the SGF, Senator George Akume really want? It has become apparent even to the blind, deaf and dumb that loyalty to him and unfettered access to state resources are the only metrics for approval.
As such, the suffering of the people is of no importance to him. If Akume truly cares for Benue and the people, he must do well to reconsider his unholy alliance with Ortom. Ortom’s past actions have shown little regard for human dignity and general welfare of our citizens.
Akume may not know, but for any sane Benue and any lover of development, his, and his faction’s regrouping against a new leadership that prioritizes the masses speaks volumes.
Benue people are wiser now and are aware that their agenda has never been about development; it has always revolved around ceaselessly servicing Akume’s insatiable interests.
A case in hand is here. When Samuel Ortom reigned supreme as the strongest Man of Benue politics, Akume defended him, dismissing the groaning of the suffering masses including the state’s workforce as mere animalistic grunts.
Suffice at this point to ask. Is Senator George Akume the only former Governor in Nigeria? Most of his contemporaries (gubernatorial class of 1999) include Joshua Dariye of Plateau state; Abdullahi Adamu of Nassarawa state; Sule Lamido of Jigawa state; Peter Odili of Rivers state; Jolly Nyame of Taraba state; Donald Duke of Cross River State; Bisi Akande of Osun State; Boni Haruna of Adamawa state; Orji Kalu of Abia State and Goodluck Jonathan of Bayelsa State, are still alive and active in politics, yet are not desperate and insistent to Lord over their sitting governors.
If Governor Alia were to align himself with Akume today, we can anticipate a stagnation in development. Akume would conveniently craft narratives to defend this lack of vision, only to brandish criticism when his unquenchable interests are not met. This stark hypocrisy cannot be allowed to happen and stand…
Benue masses will not succumb to this charade. I am bound by a duty to this state to amplify the truth, even in the face of glaring intimidation, threats, and the vile tactics of sponsored blackmail. I will not waver; my message will resonate loud and clear, for the sake of our people and our future.
…Sir Tersoo Kula is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.
