National Union of Benue State Students Conference

Akume — The Silence of a Leader

By every stretch of political longevity and public office, Senator George Akume is a titan in Benue’s political landscape. From Executive Governor (1999–2007), to Senator (2007–2019), to Minister (2019–2023), and now Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Akume’s political journey spans over 26 years. And yet, across those decades, as blood flowed and grief settled like fog over the Benue valley, one thing has remained constant: his silence.

There’s something deeply unsettling about the consistent quietness of a man so often at the apex of power, particularly when that silence meets the unrelenting suffering of the people he claims to lead. Could it be political correctness, a calculated self-preservation? Or could it be something more disturbing—an indifference that borders on complicity?

Let’s go back to Akume’s time as Governor. Sankera was in flames—first from ethnic clashes, then from a military invasion in retaliation for the death of 19 soldiers. The people expected a roar from their leader. What they got was an apology to the military. No inquiry, no defense of his own citizens—just a surrender draped in political politeness.

Then came the 2004 local government elections—one of the bloodiest in Benue’s recent history. Kwande, Gwer East, and Tarka turned into killing fields. Militias were reportedly deployed to terrorize communities, especially Kwande, in a pogrom-like operation. The state was burning, but the leader was mute. A graveyard would’ve made more noise.

Even as Senator, Akume’s silence remained a political signature. When violent herders and bandits occupied swathes of Benue under Suswam’s administration, Akume neither stood with his people nor challenged the Federal Government. Instead, he played political chess with Ortom to orchestrate Suswam’s arrest—ironically for the same security efforts the latter undertook to protect the people. His position as senator was used not as a platform for advocacy, but as a perch for quiet calculation.

When Akume finally broke his silence during the herder attacks of 2018–2019, it was not to mourn with the bereaved. It was to mock. He said the people were killing themselves. He blamed the State Government. And when he lost his senate seat, he struck again—accusing Ortom of arming Livestock and Volunteer Guards to rig elections. This, while villages were razed and children buried. By then, he was a federal minister.

Today, as SGF—the highest political office ever held by a Benue son since the return to democracy—one would expect that Akume would rise to embody national statesmanship. Yet, Benue bleeds and he hasn’t coughed. Not a visit, not a condolence letter, not even a tweet. The body language is clear: the plight of Benue is not on his agenda.

Worse still, his supporters on social media have taken up his silence like a mantra—mocking Governor Alia for "not utilizing security votes," laughing off the killings, trivializing a humanitarian crisis. It's as if suffering has become a political game. If a people are not on your political side, their lives don’t matter. Is this the kind of leadership Akume believes in?

To be clear, leadership isn’t about how long you stay in power; it’s about what you say and do when your people are in pain. Akume has had opportunity after opportunity to be a voice for the voiceless in Benue. Instead, he has chosen silence—golden to his ambitions, but deadly to his people.

History is watching. And while his silence may serve him in Abuja, in the hearts of the grieving, it echoes as betrayal.

Kputu Joseph Cmp

NUBESS PASSES VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE ON GOV. ORTOM OVER YAHOO YAHOO SCHOLARSHIP EXERCISE

NUBESS NATIONAL SECRETARIAT PAYS A CONSOLIDATION VISIT TO THEIR LIFE PATRON

The Apex body of the National Union of Benue State Students NUBESS led by the vibrant president Amb. Yoosu Skyt Soonen on the 28th of January, 2023 paid a consolidation visit to their Live Patron Sen. Dr. George Akume, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

The Union represented by the president returned many thanks to Sen. George Akume the NUBESS Live Patron, pointing out instances where he has proven to be the most reliable.

The president recognized Dr. Senator George Akume as the most student-friendly governor in the annals of Benue State.

President Yoosu Skyt after greeting the grand patron in the right tone presented the prominent challenges of Benue state students to him.

The challenges presented by Yoosu were poor students' welfare and insensitivity to the plight of Benue State students, increment of school fees, and denial of students' bursary allowances.

The president also mentioned the brutality of student Union leaders by the incumbent government, the extortion of students' money in the name of scholarships, etc.

Additionally, the President appealed to the Live Patron for a vehicle for the mobility of student activities within and outside the state and ended his speech by pledging loyalty to the Patron of the Union.

Dr. Sen. George Akume who approved of the Union's request for a vehicle to aid mobility in his remark expressed satisfaction and confidence in the activities of the students, thanking the student body for their comportment and resilience over time.

Presenting his good plans for the state, NUBESS Live Patron urges students to remain calm and law-abiding while carrying out their activities.

"The verdict of history will be harsh on some of your leaders leaving office," Akume said.

In a similar view, the treasurer of the association Comr Ene Audu reiterated the need for female inclusion in politics, emp

HAPPY NEW MONTH MESSAGE FROM Kputu Joseph GCBS

National Union of Benue Students under the able leadership of comrade Kputu Joseph wishes all Benue students within and in diaspora a happy and a glorious new month.

Every new month gives us the opportunity to start over again, amend our mistakes and strive for perfection,the grace and kindness of our Lord has protected us to encounter a unique day like this in our calendar year.

Irrespective of our immediate societal challenges, it will be unfair if I fail to appreciate the tireless efforts put in place by our parents/guardians to see us excel in our various academic pursuits.

I sincerely urge Benue students to always remember to have time for their books as students that's one of the epitome we mustn't forget and shouldn't indulge in things that will tarnish our image thank you all.

Kputu Joseph GCBS
Revolutionary NUBESS president
[email protected] 08120051134

EDUCATION IS A RIGHT NOT A PRIVILEGE THEREFORE BENUE STUDENTS NEED SUPPORT.
In respect to the above subject,the National Union of Benue state students under the patriotic leadership of comrade Kputu Joseph Cmp urges Benue state government to fulfill its expectations.
We can recall that,prior to this administration,
Benue state students benefitted tremendously in the bursary allowances allocated to them by the state government wherein students had less issues regarding their school fees payment and also solve other vital issues that needed money.
The Benue state government is adamant in that regard and as such as a student leader I wish to remind Your Excellency to look into the plight of the students at this critical point.The new policies implemented by our VC are not favorable,incre
ment in school fees and mandatory registration of courses online etc which has affected many final year students.
Many students are into difficulties now,some who pay this fees themselves are really struggling on the streets to meet with their responsibilities,it will be wise if the state government intercedes and come for their rescue.
Benue state scholarship board was established purposely to render financial assistance to students with confronting challenges,the students are entitled to their privileges and this government must not revolt that.
The state government can subsidize education in several forms including school fees for low income parents.School fees should be lowered in favour of needy parents so that anyone can afford the fees regardless of financial status.
More importantly, as a student leader I wish to remind Your Excellency of our poor pensioners and civil servants who are finding it very difficult to cope because of the non payment of salaries and therefore making the poor students vulnerable in all ramifications.
It is our utmost desire that the State government consider and act accordingly.
God Bless Benue state
God Bless Benue students

NUBESS PRESIDENT GREETS AKASE AT 32
The National Union of Benue State Students, (NUBESS) under the leadership of Kputu Joseph , felicitate with former NUBESS President Comrade Akase Vera on the occasion of her 32 birthday.
The President enjoins all stakeholders, leaders, comrades, acquaintances, alutarians and all struggle men and women to congratulate comrade Akase a seasoned and century leader with giant strides she opens another chapter of life.
The C in C of all Benue State Aluta forces affirms that the former President is a scientific alutarian who has overtime defied all intimidation, oppression and has challenged adversaries in the struggle for the rights of students.
The Supreme leader of Benue Students has charged Benue State students to mark today in history in remembrance of all the struggles Akase led one of which was the vote of no confidence on the State Government on bases of negligence on the students.
The apex union moves to appeal to past leaders return back and save the 21st century unionist from possible collapse of the union since our collective failures will always be faulted on mentorship.
Comrade Peter Unongu
Chief of staff
National Union of Benue State Students
NUBESS
National Secretariat