Time to Let Benue Rise Again: A Sincere Appeal to Senator George Akume -By Leonard Karshima Shilgba

The recent arrest of a close aide to Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, over allegations of financial misconduct involving billions of naira, has reopened old wounds and stirred deep questions about the direction of leadership and legacy in Benue State and Tiv land. While the courts will determine the facts, the moral implications for Benue’s political health cannot be ignored.

This is not a time for gloating. Nor is it a moment for vindictiveness. Rather, it is a sober opportunity to appeal directly to the conscience of a man who has held sway over Benue’s political landscape for over two decades.

George Akume

Senator George Akume’s public journey is remarkable. As Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007, a three-term Senator, a federal cabinet Minister, and now the highest-ranking Benue indigene in the Federal Government, serving as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), his rise is a testament to political acumen and endurance. He has enjoyed a long and enviable moment in the sun.

But alongside his ascent, Benue has suffered a kind of regression—one marked by economic fragility, insecurity, educational erosion, political disillusionment, and a growing disconnect between power and the people. The Tiv nation, once respected for its moral clarity, courage or bravery, and intellectual strength, is now often viewed through the lens of internal strife and elite manipulation.

This is not how it should be.

The recent emergence of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia as Governor brought a fresh wave of hope. Though not without his flaws, Governor Alia represents, for many, a break from the cycle of political stagnation and remote-controlled governance. He needs space—both politically and morally—to chart a new course. His deft moves and nifty ideas at turning the page deserve the open support of all who truly love Benue and desire her peace and prosperity.

And this is where Senator Akume comes in. His continued involvement in state politics—directly or through proxies—has become a source of division and uncertainty. The grip of political godfatherism, especially when paired with allegations of corruption in one’s immediate circle, does more harm than good—not just to the sitting government, but to the senator’s own legacy.

This article is not an attack. It is a respectful but urgent appeal: Let Benue rise again.

Let Governor Alia be allowed to govern without intimidation, distraction, or interference. Let young leaders emerge without being forced to genuflect before political “owners” of the state. Let Tiv land breathe again—freely, creatively, and with dignity.

Distinguished Senator, your place in history is already assured. But how history will judge your final chapters is still in your hands. Will you be remembered as a father figure who knew when to step back? Or as one who, unable to release his grip, helped drag down what he once helped to build? Will you be remembered as a political figure who politically birthed Benue leaders of national renown or one who perennially aborted every political child he conceived?

The choice is yours. And time is ticking.

My leader, what I am writing openly is what even some of your diehard loyalists nurse in their hearts but lack the courage to speak out for fear of you and the vitriol they could provoke from those whose deify you. Remember, in September 2013, I penned an open letter to you expressing a desire or hope then that you would groom and nurture leaders like Bola Tinubu (then not yet president) was doing in Lagos. About 12 years since, you have failed to do so, and instead have always fallen out with every governor of Benue State. Could it always be their fault? And, as I have asked heretofore, where are Akume’s men?

Great men’s greatest legacies have never been their amassed material wealth or the portfolios they held in the corridors of power, but the next generation of brilliant and impactful leaders they successfully used those portfolios to mould and bequeath to their society. We read about the great men of King David, the disciples of Chief Obasanjo, or Tinubu’s proteges, all renowned. Where are yours? This poverty of skill in political discipleship was what prompted my 2013 letter to you.

Sir, now in your 70s, you must have sober reflection about your legacy. Many see you as just a disposable tool in service of their political ambitions, not a mentor. You, being a trained sociologist should be aware of this. Must it always be like this?

It would inspire not a few if,for the sake of Benue, you support Governor Alia and Deputy Governor Ode in their commendable efforts to lift up Benue, even as they strive to bring to the state investors to create jobs in various sectors and fetch peace and hope to the beleaguered people of Benue State.

My distinguished leader, you will make many of us happy if you publicly and sincerely grace the peace and development efforts of the Benue State government with your unpretentious support. Your footprints are missing in the New Benue direction of growth and healing. It is time to let Benue rise again.

© Shilgba

Mathematician, Civic Advocate, and Son of Tiv Land