Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has taken a bold political step by dissolving the entire Benue State Executive Council, including the dismissal of all commissioners and his Chief of Staff. This move, now confirmed by official sources, marks the first significant step in implementing a peace agreement between the Governor and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
In a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the dissolution was described as a deliberate and strategic action aligned with broader reconciliation efforts between the two political heavyweights. The statement made it clear that the decision is rooted in a peace pact designed to resolve internal rifts within the state’s ruling structure and consolidate party unity.
Governor Alia, who has been locked in a prolonged political tussle with Akume, appears to be embracing a conciliatory approach to stabilize governance in Benue. Political watchers believe the power struggle between the Governor and the SGF has long threatened the cohesion of the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC), with deep divisions rippling through the ranks.
To reinforce this turning point, the Governor has appointed a new Chief of Staff, Barrister Moses Atagher, a respected legal mind and former two-time Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Benue State. Atagher’s return to government is widely viewed as a bridge-building gesture and a nod to experienced leadership in the days ahead.
By bringing in a figure with Atagher’s political and legal pedigree, Alia signals a new phase of collaboration over conflict. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic thinking, the new Chief of Staff is expected to help smoothen relations between the Governor’s inner circle and aggrieved party stakeholders.
Sources close to the administration say more appointments will follow soon. However, this time, the composition of the new cabinet will likely reflect a broader consensus influenced by the terms of the peace deal.
Although Governor Alia has not publicly commented on the full content of the peace accord, insiders believe the agreement includes a restructuring of power-sharing arrangements and the return of several party loyalists sidelined during the early months of his administration. The SGF, George Akume, a former governor and political kingmaker in the state, is believed to have pushed for a more inclusive cabinet that reflects the party’s diverse interests.
Observers note that the Governor’s decision comes at a critical moment. With mounting development challenges and increasing pressure from civil society groups calling for unity and competence in leadership, the timing of this reshuffle may prove vital for the state’s governance.
Governor Alia’s new political tone may help reduce the friction that has characterized his administration’s relationship with key stakeholders in both the state and at the federal level. If this peace deal holds, it could mark a return to focused governance, renewed development, and political stability in Benue.
The weeks ahead will reveal whether this bold move by Governor Alia is the beginning of a true political reset or merely a temporary truce in a longer game of power realignment. Either way, all eyes remain on Benue.
