President Bola Tinubu has waded into the lingering political rift between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, urging the elder statesman to mend fences with the governor.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Progressive Governors’ Forum-Renewed Hope Ambassadors Strategic Summit on Tuesday, appealed directly to Akume to extend an olive branch to Alia for the development of Benue State.
“Senator Akume, apart from being a doctor, is the longest-serving public servant in our current dispensation. He’s in his 70s. He started work in Benue State Government House.
“He was the director of protocol. He was a permanent secretary. He was a governor for eight years, a Senator for 16 years, a minister for four years, and now the secretary to the government of the Federation.
“You have seen it all. You are an elder. Stephen, reach out to our junior brother. Let’s build Benue together. Benue deserves peace. Benue deserves development,” Tinubu stated.
The President emphasised national unity over political divisions, declaring, “What binds us together, as I have always said, supersedes whatever that divides us.”
He invoked Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. And we are not a nation of fools. We are a nation of very intelligent, very smart people that know their onions.”
The appeal comes amid reports of political tensions between Akume and Alia, both prominent APC leaders from Benue State, which have reportedly affected party cohesion and governance coordination in the state.
Speaking at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja, Tinubu noted that the event marked the administration’s 1,000th day in office, describing it as “a moment called for us to reflect on the reforms we have pursued, the sacrifices made and the responsibility we share to translate vision into measurable impact for our people.”
The Vice President declared that the administration’s economic reforms have begun yielding tangible results.
“Today, we are seeing clear signs that our reforms have begun to yield results. Inflationary pressures are moderating.
Fuel prices are easing. Our currency is strong and stable,” Tinubu stated.
He revealed that the naira was heading toward N1,000 to the dollar before the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened to ensure market stability.
“In fact, if not for all the interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria yesterday, the N1,000 to $1, we are going to attain it in weeks, not in months, but for the purpose of market stability, the CBN generously intervened yesterday,” he noted, with a humorous warning saying “So for some of my friends, especially one of our party leaders who take delight in stockpiling dollars, it’s a wake-up call.”
The President announced that Nigeria attracted five out of seven major investment decisions made in Africa last year.
“That goes to show the strength and viability and the promise of the Nigerian economy,” he stated.
Tinubu disclosed that the administration’s focus has shifted “from stabilisation to acceleration,” with the N58.18tn 2026 budget featuring record capital expenditure and the largest allocation to national security in the country’s history.
“Landmark tax reforms have been introduced to protect the vulnerable, encourage enterprise and entrench transparency in public finance,” he added.
The President explained that the recent executive order on Federation Account remittances “is designed to safeguard Federation revenues, eliminate duplicative structures, curb waste and ensure the resources are responsibly managed for national benefit.”
Tinubu charged Renewed Hope Ambassadors to move beyond conference halls and into communities to explain government reforms and counter misinformation.
“Elections are not conducted on social media platforms. Elections are not conducted on Facebook. Elections are conducted by Nigerians who will vote in their wards,” he stated.
He commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, for the clarity and coordination brought to the initiative.
“Ambassadors must explain why tough decisions had to be made and how they link to jobs, security, enterprise, opportunity and a more stable future.
“They must counter misinformation with facts, replace rumour with evidence and ensure that Nigerians from across the country have access to the truth,” Tinubu stated.
The summit, themed “Taking Renewed Hope to the Grassroots: One Party, One Message, One Mobilisation Framework,” brought together Renewed Hope Ambassadors from the 36 states and FCT, federal executive council members, National Assembly leadership, and APC state executives.
President Tinubu was originally scheduled to deliver the keynote address but was represented by the Vice President.
Zonal coordinators for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors include Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (South-East), Senator Tanko Al-Makura (North Central), Isa Yuguda (North East), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (South-South), Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (South-West), and Aminu Masari (North-West).
The management team comprises Senator Uba Sani of Kaduna State as Deputy Director-General, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, and James Faleke as Assistant Secretary.
