The federal government of Nigeria has responded to comments by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state who claimed that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and his allies have been silent in the face of growing insecurity in the state.
During a recent appearance on Channels Television, Alia criticized what he described as the inaction of Akume and certain Abuja-based interests concerning killings and violence, especially in the troubled Sankera axis.
He alleged that a panel of inquiry established by the administration had linked unnamed Abuja figures to the sponsorship of violence in the state.
In response, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in a statement issued on Saturday noted that the claims were misleading.
Akume’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, described the governor’s remarks as “misleading” and reflective of a “lack of appreciation of the workings of federal administrative processes.”
“It is the official policy of the SGF not to be drawn into public controversies, especially on matters as sensitive as national security. However, the statement made by the governor compels a necessary clarification,” Kuanu stated.
He stressed that Akume has been proactive behind the scenes, advocating for federal attention to the Benue crisis through established government channels, including the Federal Executive Council and direct engagement with President Bola Tinubu.
“His actions are more asymmetrical but equally effective. His responsibilities are channeled through internal mechanisms of governance and communication,” he explained.
The statement also defended National Assembly members from Benue State, whom Governor Alia reportedly accused of being loyalists of Akume.
Kuanum cited Senators Titus Zam, Emmanuel Udende, and other House of Representatives members as lawmakers who have regularly raised motions to bring national focus to the region’s security issues.
“These motions have contributed significantly to drawing federal attention to the region’s crisis,” he noted.
Addressing the governor’s claims about the panel of inquiry’s findings, the SGF’s office emphasized that due process, including a white paper review, must precede any official action or public accusation.
“If Governor Alia has credible evidence implicating individuals in Abuja, he should forward their names to the President and the Federal Security Council. Making such disclosures public without following due process could pose national security concerns,” Kuanum warned.
The SGF’s office encouraged the Benue governor to adopt a more inclusive and community-rooted approach to combating insecurity, while also urging him to present a clear and consistent diagnosis of the threats facing the state — whether from internal actors or external terrorists.
Reiterating Akume’s loyalty to the people of Benue, the statement concluded with a message of support for Governor Alia’s administration.
“The SGF remains devoted to the well-being of Benue people and continues to work diligently, though quietly, to secure peace and prosperity for all,” Kuanum added.
