President Bola Tinubu has urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to mend fences in the interest of peace and development in the state.
The appeal was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Progressive Governors Forum Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit 2026, held at the State House Conference Hall in Abuja.
Tinubu emphasised that unity must take precedence over division, noting that Benue deserves stability and progress.
“I want to use this special forum to appeal to the SGF and Governor Alia to mend fences and move the state forward. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us,” he said.
Citing civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., the President stressed the importance of collective responsibility, adding that Nigeria’s future depends on unity and strategic leadership.
Focus Shifts to Acceleration in 2026
Tinubu disclosed that his administration had shifted from economic stabilisation in 2025 to acceleration in 2026, anchored on a ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget.
He described the budget as featuring record capital expenditure, the largest allocation to national security in the country’s history, and prudent revenue projections aimed at scaling growth while strengthening resilience.
The President highlighted tax reforms introduced to protect vulnerable citizens, encourage enterprise, and improve transparency in public finance. He also referenced a recent executive order affecting remittances to the federation account, designed to safeguard revenues and eliminate waste.
According to him, early signs of recovery are visible, with inflation moderating, fuel prices easing, and currency stability improving.
Mobilisation and Communication Strategy
Tinubu underscored the need for effective communication of government reforms, identifying the Renewed Hope Ambassadors as a key civic engagement platform.
He urged ambassadors to take the administration’s message beyond conference halls to grassroots communities, markets, wards, and campuses nationwide.
“Elections are not conducted on social media platforms; they are conducted by Nigerians who will vote,” he stated.
Party Leaders Reaffirm Support
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum reaffirmed support for Tinubu’s reform agenda, pledging alignment at the subnational level.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, stressed that governance must be backed by structured communication and grassroots mobilisation to secure future electoral success.
What You Should Know
The President’s appeal comes amid reported political tensions in Benue State involving key figures within the ruling party.
By calling for reconciliation between the SGF and Governor Alia, Tinubu signalled concern about internal divisions affecting governance and cohesion in the state.
The summit also served as a platform to project the administration’s economic and political direction ahead of 2026 and the 2027 election cycle.
With a record ₦58.18 trillion budget and renewed mobilisation efforts, the government is positioning itself to consolidate reforms while strengthening grassroots political structures nationwide.
