Nongov Nation Stands With Akume
In a resounding declaration of loyalty and support, the Nongov Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume.
By Morgan Adikwu
The year 2024 marked a significant chapter for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, defined by political travails, judicial victories, and a resolute commitment to the party’s unity and future. Against a backdrop of internal discord and external challenges, the party’s resilience and unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator George Akume, and Comrade Austin Agada emerged as a formidable foundation for its political fortunes ahead of the 2025 political activities.
The serene community of Madison, Wisconsin, was shattered when a deadly shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School, leaving families mourning the loss of their loved ones. In an incident that has once again cast a spotlight on America’s unrelenting gun violence, a teacher and a teenage student tragically lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.
The Igede Youth Council has strongly condemned the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) over its recent decision to adopt varying cut-off marks for Local Government Areas (LGAs) in its ongoing teacher recruitment exercise. The council described the policy as discriminatory, unfair, and a threat to the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunity.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Andyson Iji Egbodo, President of the Igede Youth Council, and Amb. Smith Akoko, Secretary, the group decried the higher cut-off marks set for candidates from Obi and Oju LGAs, which stand at 43 and 42 respectively, compared to significantly lower benchmarks for other LGAs. The council argued that this disparity appears to be a deliberate strategy to marginalize the Igede people and limit their access to employment opportunities.
According to the statement, this practice not only undermines the integrity of the recruitment process but also risks fostering division and distrust among ethnic groups in the state. “This approach does not merely reflect poor administrative judgment; it fundamentally jeopardizes the integrity of the entire recruitment process,” the council noted.
The Igede Youth Council also questioned the rationale behind these arbitrary cut-off marks, accusing certain “interlopers and middlemen” of orchestrating this injustice to benefit a select few at the expense of many. They called on SUBEB to provide a clear and transparent explanation for its decision and warned against using unfounded criteria in a process that should prioritize fairness and inclusivity.
The council urged the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Benue State House of Assembly to intervene decisively by canceling the ongoing recruitment exercise. They demanded the establishment of a fair and equitable process that reflects the true spirit of merit-based selection.
“The people of Benue State deserve a recruitment process that is fair, equitable, and inclusive. Every candidate, regardless of their LGA, should have a fair shot at employment based on their capabilities and merits,” the statement read.
The council emphasized that promoting fairness in the recruitment process is critical for fostering unity among the people of Benue State and ensuring better educational outcomes for its children.
This development comes amidst growing public concern about transparency and fairness in public sector recruitment processes, with stakeholders calling for reforms to ensure inclusivity and equity.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) from Benue South Senatorial District demonstrated its unwavering solidarity and support during a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume, FNIM, KSJi, CON, in Abuja. The delegation, led by former Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Deputy Leader of the APC, Chief Audu Ogbeh, commended Senator Akume for his exemplary leadership and commitment to effective governance.
During the visit, Chief Ogbeh emphatically denounced recent calls for the SGF’s resignation allegedly made by appointees of Governor Hyacinth Alia. He described such demands as baseless and reaffirmed the party’s steadfast confidence in Senator Akume’s contributions to national development and party unity.
In his address, Chief Ogbeh revisited their political journey, detailing how challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) compelled him and Senator Akume to align with their ally, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). From those formative years, they worked together to establish a formidable political structure in Benue State, with Akume as leader and Ogbeh as deputy.
Chief Ogbeh lauded the growth of the party under their stewardship, from its ACN roots to its transformation into the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform that played a crucial role in reshaping the nation’s political landscape. He underscored the need to uphold and sustain this foundation, particularly under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Another speaker, Chief Agbo Ogah, extolled the SGF and President Tinubu for their relentless dedication to Nigeria’s development. He noted that the administration’s focus on policy reforms and rebuilding national stability has renewed hope among Nigerians. Ogah hailed Senator Akume’s pivotal role in driving the administration’s agenda, describing him as a leader deeply committed to the welfare of the people.
The delegation included prominent figures who echoed the sentiments of support. Zonal Chairman of APC Benue South, Bishop Pinot Ogbaji, Former State Chairman Prince Abba Yaro, Prof. Christie Ekoja, Hon. Adama Joseph, and Prof. John Enyi all expressed unwavering confidence in the leadership of Senator Akume. They collectively passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, Senator Akume, and Benue State APC Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada.
Their remarks highlighted the significance of Akume’s leadership in fostering unity and progress, both within the APC and across the broader political landscape. The delegates praised his efforts in guiding the party through critical moments and ensuring its continued relevance in Nigeria’s political sphere.
In response, Senator Akume expressed heartfelt gratitude to the delegation for their show of solidarity and encouragement. He reiterated his commitment to President Tinubu’s vision of delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
Addressing the delegation, Akume spoke about the proposed 2024 tax reform bill, emphasizing its potential to strengthen the nation’s economic framework and foster growth. He urged the party to remain united and focused, stressing that collaboration and unity are essential for achieving the administration’s goals.
The visit was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Senator for Benue North West, Chief Titus Zam, PhD; Executive Director of Finance, Housing, and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, Dr. Mathias Byuan; Chairman of the APC Elders Forum, Chief Simon Shango; and Chief of Staff to the SGF, Chris Tarkaa.
The meeting underscored the APC’s commitment to collective progress, party unity, and a shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria. It also reaffirmed the confidence of the Benue South APC in Senator Akume’s leadership and his instrumental role in shaping the nation’s future under the Tinubu-led administration.