The dissolution of the Benue State Executive Council by Governor Hyacinth Alia, including the sacking of commissioners and his Chief of Staff, has been confirmed as the first step in implementing a peace accord between the Governor and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the appointment of Barr. Moses Atagher, a former two-term Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, was announced as the new Chief of Staff.

Atagher replaces Paul Biam, a former State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-majority leader of the Benue State House of Assembly.

Although no official reason was given for the cabinet shakeup, sources close to the matter revealed to The Guardian that the action aligns with conditions agreed upon during a peace meeting between Governor Alia and his estranged political mentor, Senator Akume.

The two leaders have been embroiled in a prolonged power tussle for control of the APC structure in Benue State, resulting in the emergence of two parallel factions, one led by Austin Agada, who is loyal to the SGF, and the other by Benjamin Omale, aligned with the Governor.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously acknowledged both factions in a subtle but strategic move during recent federal appointments.

In a list announced by his Special Adviser on Communications, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu named Benjamin Omale as Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, referring to him as the APC State Chairman for Benue. Similarly, Austin Agada was appointed Board Chairman of the National Agricultural Seed Council, also identified as Benue APC Chairman.

The internal APC rift has extended to the judiciary, with both factions challenging the outcome of the recent Benue local government elections, including the authenticity of delegate lists used for the party primaries.

Sources privy to the peace accord disclosed that one of the SGF’s conditions was the removal of the former Chief of Staff, Paul Biam, whom he accused of working against his preferred candidate for Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and engaging in public altercations during the Assembly’s inauguration.

Viral videos from the event showed Biam in a heated confrontation with Austin Agada, which nearly turned physical, allegedly over the speakership contest.
The SGF’s preferred candidate, Hon. Becky Orpin, lost the bid for Speaker, and sources claim she may now be repositioned as House Leader in a bid to honor the accord.

Another term of the agreement, according to insiders, involves reducing the number of Special Advisers and restructuring appointments across ministries and agencies to reflect broader party involvement.

The SGF was reportedly angered that initial appointments were made without consultation or input from him or other key party stakeholders.

A source close to the SGF told The Guardian under anonymity: “What has happened is just the beginning of the implementation of the peace agreement.

“The SGF insisted that the Chief of Staff be removed, and that commissioners and Special Advisers be appointed based on recommendations from party loyalists. Even if the Governor fulfills only 50 percent of the deal, it will be a step in the right direction.”
The source added, “Governor Alia must realize that he cannot continue to sideline the SGF, who by God’s grace made him Governor against all odds.

“Those misleading him didn’t mean well for the state. If Hon. Becky Orpin is not made Speaker, she must be considered for Majority Leader.”

Tinubu had earlier visited Benue to commiserate with families of over 50 victims killed in Yelwatta and, during the visit, urged Governor Alia to reconcile with stakeholders, including Senator Akume.

In compliance, Governor Alia paid a surprise visit to the SGF’s Abuja residence shortly after the president’s directive, paving the way for the current political realignment.

The next phase of the peace deal, sources confirmed, may involve restructuring the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly to accommodate the SGF’s interests.