The Hon. Minister lauded the initiative of conceiving a forum where differences among stakeholders and elders in Benue State and even beyond could be addressed and resolved. He elaborated on the negative impact this friction has had on the Benue State Community and elucidated on the sad potential negatives the unresolved differences among the Tiv and Benue family could cause.

He emphasized the need for such a forum as a viable tool that will enable the various participants strategize on what was needed to actualize the kind of cooperation that would ensure the advancement of the State.

Senator George Akume condemned the unbridled hatred, malice and strife that had possessed Tiv Nation. He pointed out the sad state of the Tiv society where brothers were pitted one against another in a vicious display of hatred wondering what happened to the togetherness and brotherhood the Tiv nation was known for. The fact that we shared a common heritage, language and culture was now of no consequence because of the anger and hatred that was now commonplace, he observed.

The Hon. Minister also called on The Benue State administration led by Governor Samuel Ortom to establish and maintain a regular, well-coordinated and consistent security-themed interaction with stakeholders at the ward and local government levels in the State.

These interactions which in his opinion, should be thematic based would both serve as early detection mechanism for promptly identifying and arresting security challenges across the state and also for enhancing productive cooperation among fellow Tiv brothers as well as Benue Citizens.  He promised his full collaboration in such measures.On enforcing resolutions that stakeholders at the meeting would arrive at, The Hon. Minister further instructed Governor Samuel Ortom and the Benue State Government to be more decisive in meting out stringent punitive measures on erring individuals,  or group of individuals, regardless of their standing. He strongly warned that the insecurity witnessed in Benue in the recent past won't be tolerated again. Thus those involved in acts capable of destabilizing the Peace and stability in Benue State would be penalised heavily.

Concerning active politicking, the Hon. Minister made it known that the era of campaigns was temporarily over as the 2019 elections have come and gone. Thus, the focus of the already established leadership should be the advancement of Benue State. He decried the fact that other States where leaving Benue State behind as concerns delivery of the dividends of Good Governance.

As concerns seeking for elective position, the Hon. Minister made it clear that he has no such intentions and thus won't contest in 2023. He however admitted that he would be actively focused in making sure that  the right people were elected to take charge of Governance in Benue State come 2023.

As a member of The Federal Executive Council, the Hon. Minister also assured, the Government and  good people of Benue State of his maximum support and cooperation in attracting Federal Government interventions to the state in critical areas of need.

In conclusion, The Honourable Minister thanked the participants of the peace and security meeting for the sacrifice of attending and committing themselves to peace, stating that the move was not only timely and crucial but also significant because of the unimaginable level of violent attacks and killings in Tivland and other parts of the state.

Attendance at the meeting included members of the State and National Assembly from Tiv speaking areas in the state, members of The Tiv Traditional  Area Council, the clergy, members of the Benue State Security Council, members  of the State Executive Council, and major stakeholders.