APC Chair & North Central: Senator George Akume remains the Shining light

By
A D Muhammad


He who seeks equity must do equity...... this according to Joseph Story, (1812-1845) a former Associate Justice of the US Supreme court.

Equity should be all inclusive, concise and deliberate with far-reaching, albeit positive consequences.
The past weeks had been nothing but intense horse trading and power play, in the ruling APC, obviously in the run up to the keenly anticipated convention, later in the month.

Of truth, the power configuration in the country hadn't favoured the north central geopolitical zone, since the return of democracy, in 1999. It was the most accomodating, yet neglected zone, politically at the center.

News filtering in about the party's decision to zone its Chairmanship position to the region is gratifyingly a pleasant surprise, which proved yet again the party has taken seriously internal party discipline and democracy. It is, I think, on the basis of equity, fairness and togetherness. That noble and conscientious decision will soothe frayed nerves, at least in the region which has been bamboozled with myriad of challenges -- Farmer-herder and religious unrest. The knotty Farmer-herder crisis, ostensibly cost the APC, Benue State, home to the fourth largest ethnic group in the country -- the Tiv.

What the APC stakeholders did was the first step in attaining some level of equity, the second is, take into consideration, the composition and cultural diversities of the region and support the ambition of the Two-term Benue Governor, Senator and serving Minister of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator George Akume.

Senator Akume remains by far the most qualified for the Chairmanship position. His demeanor, charisma and administrative prudence stand him out from the pack. A loyal party man and team player, he has demonstrated his political dexterity when he defied all odds, as the ACN candidate, defeated the PDP candidate in their supposed stronghold for the Senate in 2011, and later emerge Senate Minority leader.

Sen Akume has been unapologetically pro people. He isn't cut for divisive politics and doesn't play ethnic, tribal or religious politics.

Sen Akume is a Statesman, a noble and fine gentleman whose love for the common man remains boundless.
All through his tenure as Governor, Benue hasn't witnessed the kind of divisive social interaction amongst diverse groups. The State was.made hospitable for all, peace and development was his goal, which he pursued tirelessly.

In 2019, his defeat was largely as a result of a well orchestrated campaign of calumny and propaganda using the unfortunate farmer- herder imbroglio, which the PDP maximized to their advantage.

An Akume candidacy will reflect the principle of equity and religious harmony. Party men and women in the region who belong to different faiths would heave a sigh of relief, for having a detribalized Party Chair.
It will also settle the question of inclusiveness and equity which, had in the past defined policies and politics in the region.
Senator George Akume, obviously does not carry with him political baggage and corruption tag. And hasn't any running battle with agency. His legacies as Benue Governor is evidently present. Interventions in both the health and education sector is so loud, students of College of Health Sciences at the state university in Makurdi won't forget in a hurry. In areas of agriculture, human development and infrastructure are tremendously visible and dwarfs every other Governor that succeeds him.

Since leaving Benue government house, till date, he has been actively involved in governance and formulation of policies for national development. He is progressively selfless, with charitable disposition across board.

If equity was partly reason why APC stakeholders zone the Chairmanship to the Northcentral, then it is imperative, to consider among other things, faith and interpersonal relationship, both of which are key component of leadership, at least reflectively in the region.

For equity and fairness, Senator George Akume should be supported by all, because, to him, the greatest investment is human development, regardless of region of faith. He has exhibited so, beyond doubt and can provide same as party Chair.
For true unity and development of the Party and nation, Senator George Akume remains the man to beat. He can do the job, and must be supported by all to get the ticket, inorder to put the country on the path of growth, honor and sustainable development.

Abdullahi Muhammad
Is Co-convener, APC Arewa Young Professionals Forum for Sen George Akume, 2022