Suswam, Akume seek peace

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, there appeared to be signs of truce between Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State and his predecessor and Senate Minority Leader Sen. George Akume.

Both parties have been at each other’s jugular for quite some time even exchanging vituperations while efforts made to reconcile them have always met a brick wall

But at a book launch yesterday in Makurdi, Governor Suswam passionately appealed to Akume to sheathe his sword and embrace peace for the development of the state.

The Governor acknowledged that he holds the erstwhile governor in high esteem as someone who single handedly worked for his election as governor in 2007.

“I have never disputed the fact that Sen. Akume was instrumental to my becoming governor and I have also been instrumental to his political career. When I was young, I use to drive him when he was with former Senate President Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Akume has contributed immensely to the political development of this nation. In politics, we do have differences and people want us to continue to throw punches at each other but this is not the case. It is regrettable to say that we Tiv people have attitudinal problem, we hate ourselves so much. I appeal to our supporters to always encourage us to seek peace and not quarrel. I also appeal to my boss not to be too hard on me as I promise to stop knocking him. Let us talk politics especially development of the state” Suswam said.

On his part, Sen. George Akume said he still has a lot of respect for Governor Suswam even though the Governor abandoned him after he installed him as governor of the state in 2007 and also worked for his re-election in 2011.

Sen. Akume who lamented over the insecurity challenges in the nation, noted that Nigeria has been made a laughing stock amongst the comity of nations.

“Where we are today is not appropriate and history will not be kind to us if we fail to the say the truth”, Akume posited.