Prof Utsev: Benue group tells Idoma, Tiv people what to do

The National President, Benue Concerned Friends Initiative (BENCOFI), Hon. Norgba Orvave, has appealed for peace between the Tiv and Idoma people over the appointment of George Akume and nomination of a Tiv, Joseph Utsve as minister.

Orvave, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja, said: “The recent happenings in the state, regarding political decisions seem to create bad blood among the party hierarchy and this bad blood is drifting towards soiling the relationship between the state and the federal government, which should not happen.

“The appointment of George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) is aligning with the government at the centre and we see this as great things coming the way of Benue State.

“We are calling on the Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to embark on wide consultations before taking any administrative decisions and actions. We cannot shut our mouths and fold our hands to watch our state degenerates into what we suffered with the immediate past administration.

“We equally call stakeholders in Benue State to have a rethink, join hands with the SGF in attracting the dividends of democracy to Benue State. Those calling for the sack of Sen. Akume should please have a rethink, considering that the SGF has always been detribalised and sensitive to all issues pertaining Benue without an iota of reservation and also the dividends the entire state stands to benefit.”

The group called on the Tiv and Idoma to focus on a common goal of moving the state.