All the past differences have been put aside and now we have a fresh start. We shall work together in unity, in cooperation and agreement for the progress and development of Benue
The Tiv Traditional Council (TTC), on Monday brokered peace between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The hitherto close political allies had been enmeshed in a cold war over the political leadership of the North Central state.
The conflict hit a crescendo with the recent inauguration of a factional APC State Executive Council by the Governor, a development that saw the police stepping in to take over the APC State Secretariat to forestall violence.
Worried by the worsening crisis, the Tiv paramount ruler, Prof James Ayatse, and the TTC invited the duo to discuss the differences.
The TTC held a closed door meeting with the two leaders in Gboko, headquarters of the Tiv race, where it sought to iron out their differences.
Ayatse, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, said that the duo agreed to reconcile their differences.
“The two leaders have agreed to put aside their political differences and work for the progress of Benue.
“Today, I called the Governor of Benue, Rev Fr Alia, and the SGF, Sen George Akume, to discuss with them because of reports that we have received about conflicts between them.
“We have spoken with them. They have told us the issues. We discussed the issues and agreed together.
“They agreed to bury their differences and work together as a team for the good of the people.
“So, all the past differences have been put aside and now we have a fresh start. We shall work together in unity, in cooperation and agreement for the progress and development of Benue.”
He said the SGF and the Governor understood the weight of making an undertaking before the fathers of the land and shall, God willing, abide by their words.