The Tiv Traditional Council led by the Tor Tiv, James Ayatse has brokered peace between the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
After the closed-door discussion, the estranged political allies who had been enmeshed in a cold war over the political leadership of the North Central state, embraced themselves to the cheers of their supporters.
The conflict reached its peak with the recent inauguration of a factional All Progressives Congress (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 and his council invited the duo to discuss the differences at Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko.
Ayatse, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, said that the duo agreed to reconcile.
He said, “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, cooperation, and agreement for the progress and development of Benue.
“The leaders have made a commitment to keep to their word and ensure that there is peace and unity between them going forward.”
He said the SGF and the governor understood the weight of making an undertaking before the fathers of the land and shall abide by their words.
“Yes, they made a commitment. They shook hands and embraced one another. They have promised to work as a team.
“We are happy with the resolutions they took themselves, and we believe they have shown commitment. We are their fathers in the land; our blessings have a lot of importance in their activities.
“So, to make such a commitment in the presence of the traditional rulers of the land is very weighty. We do believe that they will adhere to the resolutions that we have reached today,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sen Barnabas Gemade was Alia’s witness during the reconciliation meeting, Michael Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was Akume’s witness.
The two officials – the SGF and the Governor – however, refused to speak with the press after the meeting.
