The all registered political parties in Benue State have unanimously honored Senator Dr. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as the undisputed political leader of the state, while issuing a scathing critique of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration over its authoritarian tendencies, suppression of political opposition, and mismanagement of state resources.
The declaration was made during a world press conference organized by the Conference of Political Parties in Benue State at Doo Palace Hotel, Makurdi, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s political trajectory.
The gathering, which coincided with Benue’s 49th anniversary, paid tribute to Senator Akume’s decades of leadership, hailing his political career as a two-term governor, three-term senator, minister, and now SGF.
In a unanimous communique, the parties passed a Vote of Confidence in Akume, citing his exceptional leadership and contributions to Benue’s development, empowerment of citizens, and national political influence. They urged state governments in the North Central region to work with Akume to foster good governance and unlock federal opportunities for development.
The political parties, however, did not hold back in their harsh criticism of the Alia-led administration, calling it a government of suppression, intimidation, and gross mismanagement.
The Conference of Political Parties strongly condemned alleged directives from local government chairmen and state appointees, reportedly under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s orders, restricting political gatherings, banning opposition meetings, and disrupting thanksgiving services in churches. They described these actions as a direct assault on democracy and fundamental human rights, warning that such measures could destabilize the state politically and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
The communique also raised alarm over attempts by the Benue State Government to intimidate the judiciary, describing it as a threat to democracy and the rule of law. The parties urged Governor Alia and his appointees to respect judicial independence, cautioning that any interference in court proceedings would undermine public confidence in the justice system and could lead to a constitutional crisis.
In addition, the parties took a swipe at Alia’s alleged manipulation of the Benue State House of Assembly, accusing him of suppressing the legislative arm to silence dissenting voices. They insisted that Benue lawmakers must be allowed to function independently without undue interference, emphasizing that democracy thrives on the principle of separation of powers.
Furthermore, the political parties expressed deep concern over the mismanagement of funds allocated to Benue by the federal government, including substantial resources since June 2023. They called on Governor Alia to prioritize tangible development projects and infrastructure rather than engaging in political victimization and internal party battles that have stalled governance and left citizens without essential services.
The Conference of Political Parties in Benue State called on the state government to immediately halt political suppression and respect fundamental rights. They also urged the federal government to closely monitor and intervene in Benue’s deteriorating political climate to prevent further threats to democratic governance. The people of Benue were equally encouraged to stand against repressive policies and demand transparency, accountability, and inclusivity from the Alia administration.
Reaffirming their Vote of Confidence in Senator Akume, the parties urged all stakeholders in Benue to unite against political repression and defend democracy. They emphasized that Benue State must remain a place of political freedom, accountability, and good governance—values they believe are currently under threat.
This resolution, endorsed by all major political parties in the state, represents a significant pushback against Alia’s leadership style, signaling an intensifying political battle ahead of future elections. Benue’s 49th anniversary, rather than a celebration, has now become a rallying point for political resistance and democratic advocacy.
