The Tiv Traditional Council, TTC has brokered peace between Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The hitherto close political allies had been enmeshed in a cold war over the political leadership of the North-Central state. The conflict reached its peak with the recent inauguration of a factional APC State Working Committee by the Governor, a development that saw the Police stepping in to take over the APC State Secretariat to forestall violence.
Worried by the worsening crisis, the Tiv paramount ruler, Orchivirigh, Professor James Ayatse, and the TTC invited the duo to discuss the differences at the Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko during the Easter holiday.
Being a season to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ it was an excellent time for reconciliation between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia at the instance of the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, Tor Tiv Orchivirigh James Ayaste at his palace.
According to the convener who briefed journalists shortly after the closed-door session, both political gladiators resolved to set aside their differences in the interest of the State. The Tor Tiv was satisfied with the resolutions reached and their show of commitment to give peace a chance.
The peace meeting had in attendance First Class Chiefs from the Tiv intermediate areas and other prominent elected and political appointees from the national and state levels as well as elder statesmen.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
