Tinubu Orders Inclusion of Past Benue Governors, Nasarawa’s Sule in Newly Formed Committee of Elders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the inclusion of all former governors of Benue State, as well as the sitting Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, in the newly formed Benue Committee of Elders.

This development was made known on Wednesday through a post shared by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Providing details from President Tinubu’s directive, Sunday Dare—who was part of the presidential team that visited communities affected by the most recent tragic attacks—disclosed that the President had instructed Governor Hyacinth Alia to embrace all key players in the state. Tinubu advised Alia to adopt a non-partisan and inclusive approach, acting as a father figure to every citizen of the state, regardless of political affiliations or ethnic backgrounds.

Additionally, President Tinubu encouraged the Benue populace to unite and support government efforts to achieve enduring peace in the region.

The directive follows a devastating attack in Yelewata village, where over 200 individuals lost their lives, with many others suffering injuries and forced displacement.

The President stressed the critical role that traditional rulers must play in restoring peace. He emphasized their collaboration with the Benue State Government in sustaining law and order. Furthermore, he urged Governor Alia to allocate land specifically for ranching, identifying it as a solution to one of the main factors fueling the prolonged conflict.

According to Tinubu, the restructured Benue Elders Committee, now expanded to include all previous state governors and Governor Sule of Nasarawa, will serve as a vital advisory and mediatory body to strengthen the peacebuilding process in the state.