From Attah Ede, Makurdi

A socio-cultural organization known as Zone “A” People’s Assembly (ZAPA), in Benue State, has called on political leaders and other stakeholders in the State to desist from persistent verbal attacks and misguided utterances against their fellow leaders the overall development of the state.

The group in a statement signed by its convener, Prince Jonathan Amokaha and the Secretary, Comrade Ochefu Gilbert titled  “Sustained attacks on the Zone and it’s people by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and former Governor of Benue state, Senator George Akume”, cautioned against unwarranted statement.

The organization pointed out instances where and when Senator Akume, directly and publicly insulted some of their prominent sons like Senators Barnabas Gemade, Joseph Akaagerger and Gabriel Torwua Suswam

Others include the Governor of Benue state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Tor Tiv, Prof. Iorzua Ayatse, late Col. Benjamin Aboho (Rtd), and Ambassador James Gbasha etc.

“As an organization of youths whose vision is that of a greater and peaceful Benue, BENUE YOUTHS OF VISION received that press conference by ZAPA with worry.

“We are worried because after a thorough background check, we confirmed unfortunately that much of what was said by ZAPA is true. It is most unfortunate because these developments have the propensity of causing divisions and bad blood amongst our people.

“In light of the above, we call on our leader and father, Sen. George Akume, SGF, the Just George of our time to take a deep breath and reconsider his leadership style, bearing in mind that all Benue people are his people and he is our leader.

“Let it be known to our leader, Senator George Akume that in such a position as the SGF, all Benue people, irrespective of which part of the state they come from, whichever political party they belong to and whether they support him or not, are looking up to him for democracy dividends.

“Similarly, we also call on ZAPA and all other Benue people of goodwill to note that as human, Senator Akume is not infallible and so we should continue to support and pray for the SGF and indeed the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State and all sons of Benue state including Sen. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Sen. David Mark, Sen. Abba Morro, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, the Tor Tiv, Och’ Idoma etc.

“We wish to reiterate that, fighting ourselves will not take us anywhere, infact, it can only take us backwards. Let all stakeholders in the Benue project sheath their swords and give room for dialogue.

“We want a Benue where there is peace, development and unity of purpose among all its sons and daughters”.