By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
A prominent political advocate and National Coordinator of the Asiwaju Again Renewed Hope Support Initiative 2027, Ambassador Musa Muhammed Tsoken, has called for urgent reconciliation between the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the interest of peace and political stability in the state.
In a statement made available to Time Nigeria in Abuja, Tsoken described the disagreement between the two prominent Benue leaders as a development that requires wisdom, humility, and adherence to the deeply rooted African values of gratitude, respect for elders, and loyalty to mentors.
Tsoken, who also serves as the National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG), noted that leadership in African political culture is rarely an individual accomplishment but rather a collective journey built on mentorship and support from experienced elders.
According to him, the relationship between Governor Alia and Senator Akume is more than a political alliance; it is a bond rooted in mentorship and shared political destiny.
“The foundation of leadership and power is rarely a solitary journey. It is built on the shoulders of those who paved the way. The relationship between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Senator George Akume is not merely political; it represents a mentorship bond that should be preserved in the interest of Benue State and the unity of the All Progressives Congress,” Tsoken said.
He emphasized that consolidating the governing party’s strength in Benue remains crucial to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, adding that political harmony in the state would help sustain the party’s influence and developmental agenda.
Drawing from global and African historical traditions, Tsoken referenced the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln and the reconciliation philosophy of Nelson Mandela to stress the importance of loyalty, humility, and peace-building in leadership.
Quoting Lincoln’s well-known reflection that “nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power,” Tsoken said leadership requires the discipline to remain loyal to those who helped one rise to prominence.
He also highlighted Mandela’s belief in the African tradition of respecting elders and experienced leaders, noting that the global icon of reconciliation established the concept of “The Elders,” reflecting the traditional African belief that older leaders are custodians of collective history and values.
Tsoken stressed that African culture places strong emphasis on respect for elders and mentors, citing the proverb: “The young can walk faster, but the elder knows the road.”
“Senator George Akume has demonstrated steadfast diligence and political maturity over decades of public service. As a pillar in Benue politics and as the SGF, he stood firmly in support of Governor Alia during both the electoral campaign and the complex legal battles that followed,” he stated.
According to Tsoken, the present situation calls for humility and reconciliation, urging Governor Alia to take the first step toward restoring harmony.
“In African culture, one does not outgrow their father in the home of leadership. A gesture of humility from the governor would not diminish his authority but would rather elevate his statesmanship and strengthen the political family,” he said.
The APC support group leader further appealed to President Tinubu to serve as a mediator in resolving the disagreement between the two leaders.
He proposed a peace accord facilitated by the Presidency that would restore unity among Benue political leaders and reinforce the collective goals of the ruling party.
Tsoken also invoked the philosophy of Ujamaa, popularized by Julius Nyerere, which emphasizes familyhood, unity, and collective responsibility within society.
He warned that continued division could undermine political stability in Benue State, stressing that reconciliation remains the only sustainable path forward.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand,” he said, echoing Lincoln’s historic caution against internal conflict.
The APC chieftain concluded by urging both leaders to prioritize peace and unity for the progress of Benue State and the nation.
“One who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness,” Tsoken said, quoting another African proverb.
He maintained that in African culture, respect for elders and mentors remains a sacred principle, adding that “a village without the elderly is like a well without water.”
