At 72, A Father’s Embrace: Akume, Alia, And The Future Of Benue -By Leonard Karshima Shilgba

Without doubt, the sovereign God has been gracious to George Akume, Distinguished Senator and Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His life is a testimony of grace in the midst of trials—political storms, betrayals, envy, misunderstandings, and even seasons of physical weakness. Yet, through it all, one virtue has consistently defined him: the rare capacity to forgive.

Who has he not forgiven?
With whom has he not reconciled?
How many has he fallen out with, only to later walk again in laughter and purpose?

This legendary disposition toward forgiveness has not gone unnoticed by heaven. Scripture is clear: “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.” It is perhaps no coincidence that such a forgiving spirit has been rewarded with longevity, relevance, and enduring influence. I recall, with reverence, learning in 2013 of the prophetic blessing spoken over him by the great evangelist Reinhard Bonnke—a blessing that many of us believe still speaks over his life and destiny.

Yet, my pain remains this: disunity still thrives in Benue, even when the possibility—and indeed the necessity—of unity around our leader is beyond dispute.

Let history speak plainly. Since 1999, which Benue governor—especially in a first term—has emerged without the active support, endorsement, sacrifice, and political investment of Leader Akume? None. This is not flattery; it is fact.

As our leader turns 72 in December 2025—a significant and symbolic age—I humbly call on the Benue State Government and stakeholders to initiate a deliberate gesture of appreciation, recognition, and reconciliation. Such a gesture need not be perfect. It need not even be timely by political calculations. But as I know our leader, he will not spurn the sincere overtures of his children.

For if a father permanently turns his back on his children, which substitute father can they truly adopt?

Benue may have many political supporters, but how many fathers can we genuinely point to?

Sometimes, children desire a measure of independence of mind—not to diminish their father’s relevance, but to demonstrate growth, maturity, and competence. This should not be misconstrued as rebellion. At times, our leader is misrepresented by those closest to him, while others, feeling threatened, react defensively. These cycles have only deepened misunderstanding.

Yet, wisdom calls us to something higher.

As we look toward 2027, my appeal is simple and sincere: let our leader and our governor row the same boat again. Let them stand together, offering Benue the stability, maturity, and continuity it desperately needs.

Who, in sober judgment, would deny Hyacinth Alia some grace for the progress recorded so far? It was Leader Akume who helped present him to Benue in 2023. I long for the day when our leader will mount the podium beside Governor Alia and ask the people:

“God used me to give you a governor in 2023. Has he pleased you?”

That moment would not diminish Akume; it would immortalize him.

The next assignment before Leader Akume is even larger: to bequeath Benue State and the entire North-Central region a new generation of national leaders. Governor Alia is one such recruit. He should be preserved, not destroyed. Nurtured, not undermined.

Leader Akume must resist pressures—both within and without—that seek to set father against son. After all, Governor Alia is a Catholic priest, a priest within the church Leader Akume reveres. And those who know our leader know his deep respect for his faith.

As we celebrate this 72nd birthday, may reconciliation triumph over rivalry.
May legacy triumph over grievance.
May Benue triumph over division.

Happy birthday to my leader.
Happy birthday to the SGF.
Happy celebration, Benue.

I can hear the sound of the abundance of rain.

Leonard Karshima Shilgba
A son of Benue