The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has responded to recent comments by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, refuting claims that Senator George Akume has remained silent or inactive in the face of insecurity plaguing the state.

Alia, during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday night, had alleged that the SGF and his associates had not spoken out or taken action on the wave of killings and violence, particularly in the Sankera region.

He further disclosed that a panel of inquiry set up by his administration had implicated unnamed individuals based in Abuja in sponsoring violence in the state.

Reacting to the governor’s remarks in a statement on Saturday, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs in the SGF’s Office, Terrence Kuanum, described the accusations as misleading and lacking a full appreciation of the workings of federal administrative processes.

“It is the official policy of the SGF not to be drawn into public controversies, especially on matters as sensitive as national security. However, the statement made by the governor compels a necessary clarification,” Kuanum said.

According to the SGF’s office, Akume has consistently worked, both within and beyond the scope of his official duties, to ensure the issue of insecurity in Benue and other parts of the country receives attention from President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council.

Kuanum stated that expecting the SGF to regularly appear in the media to discuss security efforts is a misunderstanding of his role.

“His actions are more asymmetrical but equally effective. His responsibilities are channeled through internal mechanisms of governance and communication,” he explained.

The statement also defended the National Assembly members from Benue, who the governor has allegedly branded as Akume’s cronies. Kuanum highlighted the efforts of Senators Titus Zam and Emmanuel Udende, as well as House members, in consistently raising motions on the worsening insecurity in Benue.

“These motions have contributed significantly to drawing federal attention to the region’s crisis,” he noted.

On the governor’s claims regarding the panel of inquiry report, the SGF’s office reminded him of due administrative processes, including the vetting and issuance of a government white paper, which must precede public conclusions or accusations.

“If Governor Alia has credible evidence implicating individuals in Abuja, he should forward their names to the President and the Federal Security Council. Making such disclosures public without following due process could pose national security concerns,” Kuanum warned.

The SGF’s office further advised the governor to adopt a more inclusive and grassroots-based approach in addressing security challenges, urging a clear and consistent position on the actual sources of insecurity — whether internal actors, foreign terrorists, or both.

The SGF’s office also reaffirmed Akume’s commitment to Benue State and expressed his willingness to support the governor’s leadership in restoring peace and stability.

“The SGF remains devoted to the well-being of Benue people and continues to work diligently, though quietly, to secure peace and prosperity for all,” Kuanum added.

https://punchng.com/akume-not-silent-on-insecurity-in-benue-says-sgf-office/